Kyle Stowers Powers Marlins to 8-7 Victory with Walk-Off Homer

Kyle Stowers delivered a thrilling two-run walk-off homer in the 10th inning, leading the Miami Marlins to an 8-7 victory against the Kansas City Royals on Friday night. Stowers, who finished the game with three hits, showcased his power early by hitting a three-run homer in the first inning, tying a franchise record with his fourth home run in just two games.

After establishing a commanding 5-0 lead, the Marlins watched it slip away as the Royals mounted a comeback. The pivotal moment came when Stowers faced Carlos Estévez (4-3) and launched a 394-foot shot to right field, sealing the game for Miami.

Stowers' performance included a 3-for-5 batting line, extending his on-base streak to 10 plate appearances, which also ties a club record. His contributions were crucial as Miami sought to regain momentum.

In a strategic move, Adam Frazier entered as a pinch-hitter during the 10th inning, driving in automatic runner Jonathan India along with Bobby Witt Jr., who had reached base via an infield single. Frazier's double off Lake Bachar (5-0) shifted the lead back to Kansas City.

However, the Marlins responded in their half of the 10th. Agustín Ramírez brought in automatic runner Derek Hill with a single, setting the stage for Stowers' decisive walk-off hit.

The Royals had previously erased a five-run deficit with a four-run fourth inning against Sandy Alcantara, the 2022 Cy Young Award winner still working to regain his form after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2024. Alcantara struggled early, allowing hits to three of the first four batters he faced before John Rave hit his first major league home run, narrowing the gap.

Rave later tied the game in the ninth inning with another homer off Calvin Faucher, pushing the contest into extra innings.

Stowers' walk-off marked the second of his career and contributed to Miami's impressive tally of seven walk-off victories this season.

Looking ahead, RHP Michael Wacha (4-9, 3.74) is set to start for the Royals in the second game of the series against Marlins RHP Cal Quantrill (3-8, 5.62).