Whit Merrifield capped a nine-run first inning with a three-run homer and the Kansas City Royals beat the Minnesota Twins 14-5 Friday night for their fifth straight win.
Merrifield started the big burst with a leadoff single and his home run ended the evening for Matt Shoemaker (2-7). He retired just one batter, allowing six hits and two walks.
All nine Royals in batting order had already scored with no outs in the inning.
Brad Keller (6-4) got his third straight win and hasn’t allowed more than three runs in an outing since April. He went five innings, giving up two earned runs.
Mike Minor (4-2, 4.65) gets the start for KC on Saturday afternoon at 3:10.
First place Chicago leads second place Cleveland by four games, the third place Royals are 5 games behind.