Royals pitcher Yordano Ventura dies in car crash

Kansas City Royals starter Yordano Ventura died in a car crash on Sunday, the team confirmed. He was 25 years old.

The crash happened in his hometown of Juan Adrian in the Dominican Republic, according to ESPN.

Ventura had been with the Royals since 2013. He made a name for himself during the 2014 season, when the Royals won the pennant. He won a championship with the team in 2015.n

Ventura was also close with the late Oscar Tavares, who also died in a car crash in 2014. The Kansas City right-hander paid tribute to his late friend by right “R.I.P. OT #18” on his cap during Game 6 of the 2014 World Series. Ventura then pitched seven shutout innings against the Giants.

Ventura had a career 3.89 ERA and a 38-31 record in four seasons with Kansas City.