KANSAS CITY, Mo. — — Julio Rodriguez had a career-high five hits to go with five RBI, including a go-ahead three-run homer in the eighth inning, and the Seattle Mariners escaped Kansas City with a 6-4 victory over the Royals on Thursday.
Rodriguez, who had four hits the previous night, had three singles and a triple to go with his home run. The homer was the 20th of the season for Rodriguez, who already had stolen 30 bases, making the 22-year-old phenom just the fourth Mariners player in the 20-30 club.
Cal Raleigh added a homer in the ninth inning to give Seattle’s bullpen some breathing room.
Isaiah Campbell (3-0) earned the win for the Mariners with a scoreless seventh inning. Trent Thornton tossed a perfect eighth and Matt Brash breezed through the ninth inning for his fourth save.
Carlos Hernandez (1-8) took the loss when Rodriguez pounded the first pitch he threw over the left-field bullpen.
Kansas City begins a nine-game trip Friday afternoon against the Cubs, with LHP Cole Ragans (3-4, 4.21) starting the series opener at Wrigley Field at 1:20.