05/20/26 09:54:00
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05/20 21:53 CDT Duran's 2-run, opposite field homer rallies Red Sox to a 4-3
win over the Royals
Duran's 2-run, opposite field homer rallies Red Sox to a 4-3 win over the Royals
By MARC BOWMAN
Associated Press
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) --- Jarren Duran's opposite-field two-run homer in the
seventh inning rallied the Boston Red Sox to a 4-3 win over the Kansas City
Royals on Wednesday night.
With one on and one out in the seventh, Duran sent reliever Steven Cruz's
fastball 366 feet into the bullpen in left for his sixth homer, helping the Red
Sox complete a series sweep of the faltering Royals. Boston's three-game
winning streak matched its season high.
Connelly Early (4-2) allowed three runs on two swings --- Salvador Perez's solo
homer in the first and Elias Daz's two-run shot in the fifth. The 24-year-old
left-hander allowed six hits and struck out five in 6 1/3 innings.
Willson Contreras had three of Boston's 11 hits, including his second triple in
four years. In the second inning, Contreras tripled into the right field corner
before scoring on Nick Sogard's single.
Aroldis Chapman recorded his 12th save and converted his 26th consecutive save
chance.
Perez had three hits, including his 135th career home run at Kauffman Stadium.
He is one shy of the record held by George Brett.
Daz's 405-foot homer to left center in the fifth inning gave the Royals a 3-2
lead.
Michael Wacha allowed two runs, one earned, on six hits and two walks with
eight strikeouts in six innings. It was his fourth straight quality start and
his American League-leading eighth of the season.
Cruz (0-2) faced four batters and allowed two runs on two hits. They were his
first runs allowed in six appearances since being recalled from Triple-A Omaha
on May 8.
The Royals (20-30) lost for the ninth time in 10 games and slipped a
season-worst 10 games below .500. Kansas City was swept in a series for the
fourth time this season, tied for most in the MLB.
Up next
Boston begins a homestand Friday with LHP Payton Tolle (2-2, 2.05 ERA) opposing
Twins LHP Connor Prielipp (1-2, 2.88).
The Royals have not named a starter to face Mariners RHP Logan Gilbert (2-4,
4.45 ERA) Friday in Kansas City.
___
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB
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