Whit Merrifield had three hits and three RBI, Salvador Perez extended a career high with his 33rd homer and the Kansas City Royals beat the Houston Astros 7-1 on Monday night.
The Royals have won seven of their last eight games.
Perez has 81 RBI this season, which leads the team and is a career best.
Merrifield had an RBI double in the seventh inning and drove in two more with a triple in Kansas City’s three-run eighth.
Kansas City rookie starter Daniel Lynch (4-3) yielded six hits and one run with three walks in five innings for his third straight win.
Zack Greinke (11-4) permitted six hits and two runs in six innings.
Royals 1B Carlos Santana exited in the ninth after he was injured running to first base on a force out. Matheny said Santana has a Grade 1 hip strain and is day to day. … RHP Kyle Zimmer was activated from the injured list after missing about three weeks with neck spasms. … LHP Jake Brentz was placed on the injured list with a left shoulder injury.
Kansas City’s Brady Singer (3-8, 5.23 ERA) gets the start for Kansas City tonight at 7:10.