KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Salvador Perez and Hunter Renfroe each smashed two-run homers in a decisive five-run third inning on Friday night, propelling the Kansas City Royals to a 7-4 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies in the opener of their interleague series between playoff hopefuls.
Perez, fresh off a playful Wiffle ball game with neighborhood kids, turned his energy into a three-RBI performance, with contributions from Paul DeJong and Vinnie Pasquantino, bringing the Royals within a game of first-place Cleveland in the AL Central.
Michael Wacha (11-6) extended his winning streak to seven, allowing just two runs over six innings, while Lucas Erceg secured his 10th save by working around a leadoff double in the ninth.
Phillies starter Taijuan Walker (3-5) struggled, surrendering six runs in just three innings, marking his eighth consecutive rocky start. Despite a late rally, the Phillies couldn’t overcome the early deficit, giving Kansas City their seventh win in eight games.
“It felt great to get that first win of the series,” Wacha said. “We’re taking it one game at a time, but we believe this team can do something special.”
In injury updates, the Phillies’ Austin Hayes returned to the lineup after a hamstring strain, while the Royals’ Hunter Harvey is working on a throwing plan after back tightness.
Up next: The Phillies plan to start Ranger Suárez on Saturday night, while the Royals will send Brady Singer (9-8, 3.18 ERA) to the mound.