Nicky Lopez scored four runs to help the Kansas City Royals win 9-2 over the Baltimore Orioles Friday night.

Lopez scored two runs in the second inning and scored again in the seventh inning, scoring two runs from the ninth hitter.

Whit Merrifield stated, “It’s a result of him getting over worrying about getting on to the field every day. As everyone goes through.” “He can relax and play his game, which is exactly what we need at our nine-spot.”

Through the first three innings, the Royals held a 6-0 advantage over Lopez and Merrifield’s All-Star duo Salvador Perez and Merrifield. Perez scored RBI singles in the first innings and the third innings. Merrifield also added an RBI double in second and a sacrifice fly to third.

Mike Matheny, Royals manager, said that it was a great day for all. “I was really pleased with the offensive production and aggressiveness on the bases today.”

Keegan Akin (0-5), gave up six runs and eight hits over three innings. He also had three walks and two strikeouts. Lopez was the star of the show with a two-run double to highlight a fourth-inning that had four runs.

Brandon Hyde, Baltimore manager, stated that “we didn’t have good pitch selection tonight.” “Just poor pitch selection, and didn’t miss many barrels.”

 

Merrifield was 4 for 5, with 3 RBIs. This included a run-scoring single at the seventh inning. Kansas City had 15 hits.

Danny Duffy pitched four innings of one-run baseball, including a walk and three strikeouts. Josh Staumont (1-2), won the relief game.

Pedro Severino scored a solo homer on the eighth. Scott Barlow concluded the game for Royals.

Trey Mancini scored the Orioles’ fourth run with an RBI groundout. Cedric Mullins was 2 for 3. The Orioles had five hits, and six runners were left behind.

ROSTER MOVES

Royals: C Cam Gallagher, a member of the 10-day IL, was reinstated. C Sebastian Rivero was also optioned.

 

UP NEXT

Kansas City’s starter will be Brady Singer (3-6, 4.52 ERA). Baltimore didn’t announce its starting pitcher.