Dairon Blanco hit two home runs, including his first career grand slam, and drove in seven runs as the Kansas City Royals defeated the Cincinnati Reds 13-1 on Saturday night.
Blanco’s impressive performance overshadowed a strong game by Michael Wacha (10-6), who allowed just four hits and struck out nine in six shutout innings, leading the Royals to their second win in a row over the Reds.
Blanco, using a bat painted to look like a yellow crayon, hit a two-run homer to center field on the first pitch he saw from Reds starter Nick Lodolo in the second inning.
He then hit a grand slam into the left-field seats in the third inning and added another run with a single in the fourth. Blanco had only one homer and five RBIs before this game.
“It’s all about sticking with your routine, throughout the day, no matter what,” Blanco said through a translator. “And I felt good. And it showed today.”
Royals manager Matt Quatraro was pleased to see Blanco, usually, a utility player, have such a successful night.
“Really cool for him. He doesn’t get a ton of at-bats, but he’s ready to go anytime he gets in there, whether it’s pinch-run, defense,” Quatraro said. “He’s ready to swing the bat. And for him to have a night like that is special.”
Blanco chose the unusual bat with help from his family, who picked the yellow one for him. He said, “It’s mom’s favorite color. So, once I hit the first home run and, you know, I just laughed, and it was a good feeling.”
Reds starter Lodolo (9-5) had a tough game, loading the bases in the third inning and walking in a run before giving up an RBI single to Paul DeJong. Buck Farmer came in to relieve Lodolo but quickly gave up Blanco’s grand slam.
