The Kansas City Royals snapped a six-game losing streak with a dominant 9-2 victory over the injury-depleted Cincinnati Reds on Monday.
The Reds were forced into a makeshift bullpen game after placing shortstop Elly De La Cruz on the 10-day injured list with a right hamstring strain and scratching starting pitcher Chase Burns due to illness before the game.
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Royals Jump Ahead Early
Reds manager Terry Francona turned to Lyon Richardson, who surrendered four earned runs in the first inning on a grand slam by Lane Thomas following two walks and a hit batter.
The Royals extended their lead to 6-1 in the fifth inning when Jac Caglione hit a two-run home run after a double by Bobby Witt Jr.
Vinnie Pasquantino added an RBI single in the sixth inning, while Michael Massey hit a late home run and Nick Loftin drove in a run with a sacrifice fly to complete the scoring for Kansas City.
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Cincinnati outfielder JJ Bleday hit a solo home run in the first inning, and top prospect Edwin Arroyo scored the final run following his first major league hit.
Royals starting pitcher Luinder Avila earned the win by striking out five batters and allowing one earned run over five innings of work.
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With the loss, the Cincinnati Reds fell to a 30-29 record and dropped into last place in the NL Central division.
