Kansas City Royals ride big first inning to Saturday victory over L.A. Dodgers at The K
The Kansas City Royals wasted no time getting into the holiday spirit. On Saturday, they provided their own fireworks with a 6-4 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Royals scored five first-inning runs off Dodgers starter Julio Urias at Kauffman Stadium. It was a medley of soft contact and hits that found holes in the L.A. defense.
The Royals collected three consecutive hits to start the game. Maikel Garcia hit a leadoff double and Bobby Witt Jr. followed with a single. Later in the inning, Salvador Perez snapped a mini-slump with a pop-up RBI single.
“We had some fortuitous landing spots for some of those,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “I think the at-bats were really good.”
Drew Waters delivered the major blow. He drilled a two-run single that provided Royals starter Daniel Lynch with ample run support.
Lynch didn’t have his usual command Saturday. He allowed five hits and three runs across five innings, walking three and striking out four.
“I really can’t take any credit,” Lynch said. “Salvy was awesome. The offense gave me a cushion in the beginning. ... I don’t feel like I did what I needed to do tonight. I was picked up by the team, which was awesome.”
The Dodgers made a late comeback. After scoring three early runs, L.A. set up its best chance in the eighth inning. Freddie Freeman represented the tying run against Royals closer Scott Barlow.
Barlow induced an inning-ending groundout to preserve the Royals’ lead. He worked around a walk and pitched a scoreless ninth to earn his 10th save.
“It was just make sure all the off-speed (stuff) was down to him,” Barlow said of facing Freeman. “Knowing the defense tonight was really good, so trusting them and not being afraid of contact.”
KC improved to 24-59 and has a chance to win the series Sunday afternoon.
Missed previous games of the series?
Game 1: Mookie Betts hits two homers as Royals fall 9-3 to Dodgers
Roster Move: The Royals call up reliever Collin Snider from Triple-A Omaha
Here are more notables from Saturday’s game:
Salvador Perez snaps hitless streak
Royals captain Perez has been mired in a tough stretch. He entered Saturday’s game stuck in an 0-for-20 slump. His last hit came June 23 against the Tampa Bay Rays.
In the first inning of Saturday’s game, Perez’s luck changed. He hit a bloop single into shallow right field that scored Maikel Garcia.
“It’s good for me. I know I was 0-for-20 in my last at-bats,” Perez said. “I think like seven strikeouts. I always say hitting is up and down. We try to do our best, but some moments it’s what it is. It’s not going to be my first slump like that. I’ve had many in my career. I’ve just got to be positive.”
Later, Perez challenged Dodgers star Mookie Betts as he attempted to tag from first base. He slid safely ahead of the throw to extend the Royals’ lead.
Perez collected his 40th RBI in the inning. It was a part of a five-run first in which KC sent nine batters to the plate.
Dairon Blanco manufactures insurance run
Dairon Blanco is known for his elite speed. In the seventh inning, Blanco put his skill-set on display.
After reaching on an error, Blanco collected his third and fourth stolen bases. He was aggressive on the basepaths and it led to a pivotal insurance run.
Blanco scored after Witt hit a sacrifice fly. KC extended its lead to 6-3 and held on late to win the game.
“It’s game-changing,” Quatraro said. “That’s a huge run in the game. ... It’s elite speed with a fearlessness to steal.”
What’s next: The Royals conclude their weekend series against the Dodgers on Sunday. Brady Singer will start for KC against Tony Gonsolin of the Dodgers.
This story was originally published July 1, 2023 at 10:37 PM with the headline "Kansas City Royals ride big first inning to Saturday victory over L.A. Dodgers at The K."
