Noah Cameron's historic start helps Royals beat Reds, 3-2

Jaylon Thompson, The Kansas City Star on May 28, 2025

Published in Baseball

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Where would the Kansas City Royals be without rookie sensation Noah Cameron?

The left-handed starting pitcher has been a revelation. With each start, he has grown in confidence and built enough equity to stay at the big league level.

On Wednesday, Cameron aced another test against the Cincinnati Reds. He allowed one run in 6 1/3 innings as the Royals won 3-2 at Kauffman Stadium.

Cameron looked comfortable navigating the Reds’ lineup. The St. Joseph native allowed six hits — all singles — while pitching to contact. His five-pitch arsenal kept the Reds honest as KC salvaged a win in this three-game home series.

Cameron became the second MLB pitcher since 1893 to record 6 1/3 innings and allow one run or fewer in each of his first four starts.

The Royals (30-27) scored in the middle innings. Drew Waters and Bobby Witt Jr. delivered key RBIs to give Cameron some much-needed run support.

From there, Cameron handed the ball to the Royals’ bullpen. And KC’s relievers shut the door behind Angel Zerpa, John Schreiber and Carlos Estévez.

The Royals expect Seth Lugo and Cole Ragans to return shortly from the 15-day injured list. However, Cameron has showcased elite stuff to merit a long-term roster spot.

Here are key takeaways from Wednesday’s game.

Royals manufacture runs

The Royals found another way to cobble together some runs. In the fourth inning, Maikel Garcia recorded a one-out single to start the frame.

Garcia was aggressive on the basepaths. He attempted to steal second base but kept running as Drew Waters ripped a single into center field. Garcia picked up Royals third base coach Vance Wilson and continued to accelerate around the bases.

Wilson waved him home as Garcia beat the incoming throw. The Royals took a 1-0 lead with the heads-up play.

Later, the Royals continued to play small ball. John Rave doubled and was moved over to third base on Dairon Blanco’s sacrifice bunt. Rave scored two batters later as the Royals continued to grind their way offensively.

Witt snaps streak

Royals superstar Bobby Witt Jr. endured a mini-slump this week. Witt was hitless in his last 12 at-bats before collecting an RBI double in the fifth inning.

Witt hit a line drive that hugged the right-field line. He kept it fair as Rave scored from second base. It was Witt’s 29th RBI this season as the Royals took a 2-0 lead.

He later added a sacrifice fly.

During the streak, Witt saw his batting average slightly dip. He entered play hitting .289 but quickly regained his form.

The Royals need Witt to be a consistent run producer. He has the talent to carry the offensive load and help the team overcome their early-season struggles.

Rave reaches milestone

Rave left Kauffman Stadium with a special souvenir. In the fifth inning, he hit a leadoff double off Reds starter Hunter Greene.

He drilled the baseball down the right-field line. Rave raced around the bases before ending up at second base. He was all smiles as his teammates cheered him on from the dugout.

The baseball was thrown out of play. It got authenticated before being handed over to the Royals for safekeeping.

Rave made his MLB debut on Monday. He nearly registered his first hit in that game but had a bunt single overturned on review.

This time, Rave got his name in the record books. He joins Andrew Hoffmann, who was called up on Wednesday, as the latest prospects to join the club.