Royals Split Saturday Doubleheader with Brewers

Kansas City takes nightcap 8-2 after dropping opener 5-2

Apr. 5, 2026 at 7:50am

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The Kansas City Royals split a Saturday doubleheader with the Milwaukee Brewers, losing the first game 5-2 before rebounding with an 8-2 victory in the nightcap. In the opener, Brewers outfielder Garrett Mitchell drove in all five of his team's runs, while the Royals' comeback attempt in the seventh inning fell short. The Royals struck first in the second game, but the Brewers tied it in the third before Kansas City exploded for a six-run sixth inning to secure the split.

Why it matters

The Royals are looking to build momentum in the early part of the season, and splitting the doubleheader keeps them at .500 as they aim to climb the standings in the AL Central division. The series with the Brewers is an important inter-league matchup that could have playoff implications later in the year.

The details

In the first game, Royals starter Luinder Avila struggled, allowing five runs on eight hits and three walks over three innings. Brewers outfielder Garrett Mitchell drove in all five of his team's runs, with a two-run double in the first and a three-run homer in the third. The Royals got two runs back in the seventh, but couldn't complete the comeback. In the nightcap, the Royals jumped out to an early lead on a two-run double by Carter Jensen, but the Brewers tied it in the third. Kansas City then broke the game open with a six-run sixth inning, highlighted by a solo homer from Salvador Perez and RBI hits from Isaac Collins, Kyle Isbel, and Maikel Garcia.

  • The doubleheader took place on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
  • The first game started at 1:10 p.m. local time.
  • The second game started at 6:40 p.m. local time.

The players

Luinder Avila

A Royals pitcher who started the first game of the doubleheader, allowing five runs over three innings.

Garrett Mitchell

A Brewers outfielder who drove in all five of his team's runs in the first game, with a two-run double and a three-run homer.

Carter Jensen

A Royals player who hit a two-run double to give Kansas City an early lead in the second game.

Salvador Perez

The Royals' star catcher who hit a solo home run as part of the team's six-run sixth inning in the second game.

Brice Turang

A Brewers player who hit an RBI triple to tie the second game in the third inning.

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What they’re saying

“We knew coming in that the Brewers were going to be a tough test, so splitting the doubleheader is a solid result for us. We'll look to build on that momentum and try to take the series tomorrow.”

— Bobby Witt Jr., Royals Infielder

What’s next

The Royals and Brewers will play the rubber match of their three-game series on Sunday afternoon. Kris Bubic is scheduled to start for Kansas City, while the Brewers will send Kyle Harrison to the mound.

The takeaway

The Royals showed resilience by bouncing back from a tough loss in the first game to secure a victory in the nightcap, keeping them at .500 on the young season. The series with the Brewers is an important early-season test that could pay dividends down the road in the playoff race.