Stephen Kolek's Complete-Game Shutout Ends Royals' 4-Game Skid

Published: Sunday, May 24, 2026 at 12:55 am

Royals Shutout Mariners, Ending Losing Streak

Kansas City Royals pitcher Stephen Kolek delivered a dominant performance, pitching a complete-game shutout against the Seattle Mariners, leading the Royals to a 5-0 victory. This win snapped the Royals' four-game losing streak. Kolek, now with a 3-0 record, allowed only one walk and four hits while striking out two batters. He completed the game in just 2 hours and 6 minutes, throwing 108 pitches, four more than his previous career high.

This was Kolek's second career shutout in 23 starts. It also marked the seventh complete game and the fourth shutout in the major leagues this season. His previous shutout occurred last season while pitching for San Diego. Kolek joins Chris Archer and Mike Montgomery as the only pitchers since 2010 to achieve two shutouts in their first 23 career starts.

The Royals' offense provided early support, taking a 3-0 lead in the first inning. Maikel Garcia doubled and scored, followed by RBIs from Carter Jensen and Jac Caglianone. Jensen contributed again in the third inning with a sacrifice fly, scoring Bobby Witt Jr. Kansas City added another run in the sixth inning, with Isaac Collins driving in Jensen.

Mariners' starting pitcher George Kirby took the loss, allowing five runs (three earned) on nine hits in six innings. The Mariners will look to bounce back in the series finale with Bryan Woo on the mound, while the Royals will counter with Seth Lugo.

BNN's Perspective:

Kolek's performance was a bright spot for the Royals, providing a much-needed win and demonstrating the potential of their pitching staff. While the Mariners' offense struggled, the Royals' ability to capitalize on opportunities and secure a decisive victory is encouraging. The series finale will be a good test to see if the Royals can maintain this momentum.

Keywords: Stephen Kolek, Kansas City Royals, Seattle Mariners, shutout, complete game, MLB, baseball, Carter Jensen, George Kirby, winning streak, pitching, offense, Seth Lugo, Bryan Woo

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