Dairon Blanco hit two home runs, including his first career grand slam, and drove in seven runs as the Kansas City Royals crushed the Cincinnati Reds 13-1 on Saturday night.
The Royals’ explosive offense overshadowed a strong performance by Michael Wacha (10-6), who allowed just four hits and struck out nine over six scoreless innings, leading Kansas City to its second consecutive win against the Reds.
Blanco, swinging a bat painted like a yellow crayon, smashed a two-run homer to center field on the first pitch he saw from Reds starter Nick Lodolo in the second inning. The 31-year-old Cuban then cleared the bases with a grand slam to left field in the third and added another RBI with a single in the fourth. Before this game, he had only one home run and five RBIs this season.
“It’s all about sticking to your routine, no matter what,” Blanco said through a translator. “I felt good today, and it showed.”
Royals manager Matt Quatraro praised Blanco, typically a utility player, for his dedication. “It’s really cool for him. He doesn’t get many at-bats, but he’s always ready, whether it’s pinch-running or defense,” Quatraro said. “For him to have a night like this is really special.”
As for the distinctive bat, Blanco had some help choosing it. He had several options with special designs for Players Weekend, where players can use customized equipment.
“I talked to my family and asked them which bat they liked, and they all picked the yellow one,” Blanco said. “It’s my mom’s favorite color. After the first home run, I just laughed. It felt great.”
Lodolo (9-5) had a tough outing, loading the bases in the disastrous third inning and walking in a run before giving up an RBI single to Paul DeJong. Buck Farmer relieved Lodolo but immediately allowed Blanco’s grand slam.
The Royals scored seven runs in the third inning, taking a 10-0 lead before the Reds even completed their first turn through the lineup.
Lodolo lasted only 2 1/3 innings, giving up eight runs on eight hits.
Bobby Witt Jr. extended his hitting streak to six games with a double in the first inning, going 1 for 4 as his league-leading batting average dropped to .351.
Jeimer Candelario hit his 20th homer of the season, a solo shot for the Reds in the seventh inning.
“Tonight, the Royals outplayed us in every way,” Reds manager David Bell said. “It’s just one game. We have a lot left to fight for.”