Salvador Perez, Hunter Renfroe, Kyle Isbel, and Vinnie Pasquantino all hit home runs in a game where the Kansas City Royals defeated the AL-leading Cleveland Guardians 10-3 on Friday night.
Perez hit his 13th homer of the season in the second inning, a 447-foot shot that tied the game at 1-all. Renfroe followed with his eighth homer in the same inning, putting the Royals ahead for good.
Pasquantino added a two-run homer in the eighth inning, his ninth of the season, extending Kansas City’s lead to 10-3. The trio of Perez, Renfroe, and Pasquantino combined for 6 hits, 6 RBIs, and 5 runs scored.
“We have a strong offense and it’s always satisfying to showcase it,” Renfroe commented. “Our bullpen has also been solid for us.”
Guardians’ starter Triston McKenzie (3-5) struggled, lasting just 2 1/3 innings and allowing 5 runs on 5 hits with 3 strikeouts and 3 walks.
Isbel hit his sixth homer of the season in the fourth inning, and Freddy Fermin contributed with an RBI in the fifth.
“We showed good discipline and patience when needed,” said Royals manager Matt Quatraro. “Expanding our lead later in the game was really positive.”
José Ramírez hit his 22nd homer of the season, a 436-foot blast in the first inning that initially gave Cleveland the lead.
Alec Marsh (6-5) gave up Ramírez’s homer but settled in to pitch six innings, surrendering 4 hits while striking out 5 and walking 2.
