CINCINNATI (AP) — Dairon Blanco hit his third home run in two days and started a rally with a bunt single as the Kansas City Royals beat the Cincinnati Reds 8-1 on Sunday to complete a series sweep.
Blanco, an outfielder, had just 64 at-bats coming into the series, before helping the Royals outscore the Reds 26-3.
The 31-year old from Cuba drove in seven runs on Saturday with two home runs, including a grand slam. On Sunday, he started a two-run third inning against 10-game winner Andrew Abbott with a bunt single. Blanco stole second and scored on Vinnie Pasquantino’s single. Salvatore Perez added a sacrifice fly.
Blanco hit his fourth home run of the season off Abbott (10-10). It was the 25th home run allowed by Abbott.
Pasquantino drove in three runs to take the team lead over Bobby Witt Jr. with 92.
Brady Singer (9-8) snapped a two-game losing streak, overcoming a 45-minute rain delay to pitch six scoreless innings. He allowed five hits, a walk and a hit batter while striking out seven.
Abbott allowed four runs in five innings on six hits and an intentional walk. He struck out four.
Sam Long took over for Singer, pitching the seventh inning in a light rain. He allowed Santiago Espinal’s third single, then walked three straight Reds with one out. Lucas Erceg entered to face Elly De La Cruz with the bases loaded. Erceg struck out De La Cruz and Spencer Steer to end the threat.
TJ Friedl robbed Witt of his 26th home run, with a leaping catch in the seventh inning.
The Royals scored four in the ninth. Witt singled for his 91st RBI.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Reds: Hunter Greene was placed on the 15-day injured list with right elbow soreness retroactive to Aug. 14. He had an MRI exam and is seeking a second opinion.
UP NEXT
The Royals will host the Los Angeles Angels on Monday. Carson Fulmer (0-3, 4.22) starts for the Angels. Seth Lugo (13-7, 3.04) takes the ball for the Royals.
The Reds will visit the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday. The Reds have not announced the replacement for Greene. The Blue Jays will start Kevin Gausman (11-8, 4.20)
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