Don’t let the Yacht Rock fool you: The Royals aren’t content with winning streak
The usual soundtrack in the Royals’ clubhouse following a victory includes a heavy dose of rap songs with lyrics that aren’t rated PG-13.
But following the Royals’ 10-0 win over the White Sox at Kauffman Stadium on Thursday, there was a decidedly different vibe.
Yacht rock.
When the clubhouse opened Thursday, Looking Glass’ “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” was blaring. Loud. Perhaps the Royals players were sick of hearing the same songs because recently the celebrations have come nearly every night.
The Royals have won six straight games, nine of their last 10 and are a major-league-best 15-2 since April 20.
The Royals’ pitching staff has piled up six shutouts in just the last 13 games, only the fourth time an American League team has done that in the last 40 years. And the offense had its second 17-hit performance since Sunday.
“You look at the formula of our games, and just winning teams in general, pitching and defense are always what you want to come back to,” starting pitcher Kris Bubic said as Earth, Wind and Fire’s “The Way You Move” played. “And if we’re doing those things well, offense getting timely hits, I think we’ll be in a really good spot.
“We’re never really out of any game because our pitching staff has been so effective, so good at putting up zeros. So we just want to keep that momentum rolling.”
Bubic expects future bumps in the road, because the Royals, who have a 23-16 record, haven’t reached the one-quarter mark of the season.
Offense improving
While the Royals have relied heavily on pitching this season, there are signs the offense is putting things together. Seven players had multiple hits Thursday, and the Royals are averaging 5.3 runs over their last eight games.
“That’s what we’re all here to do is get on base, have good at-bats and drive in runs,” said Jonathan India as he held 15-month old daughter, Adalina, while War’s “Low Rider” played. “So it always feels good when the offense is clicking like that. Our vibes are high and we’re all happy.”
Happy but not satisfied, manager Matt Quatraro noted.
Quatraro spoke about the message in the clubhouse that’s being emphasized by captain Salvador Perez.
“You can’t look at it ahead of time, as we should win this many (games) or we just did this behind us,” Quatraro said. “We have the focus on today. And I know that’s a message that Salvy is delivering to guys every day, and I know that’s something that they really thrive on.
“It’s a great streak. No question. But why not keep pushing, right? I mean, you don’t borrow off of those, right? You keep pushing.”
The message remains consistent: The Royals aren’t content.
As Hall and Oates played, shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. said he believes the Royals’ recent run of success is indicative of the team’s upside.
“It’s just what we (know) what we can do,” Witt said. “I don’t feel like it’s a roll. ... We’re playing our Royals baseball, and that’s just how it’s going to be.”
Witt wasn’t issuing a warning to other teams. But the rest of the league should be aware that while they sometimes enjoy easygoing tunes, the Royals want to keep pushing, keep doing more and add to their impressive winning streak.
This story was originally published May 9, 2025 at 5:30 AM.
