KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Royals scored eight total runs in the first two games of their series against the San Diego Padres, but they tallied that many runs in a pair of big innings against the Padres on Sunday ... and they weren’t even through scoring.
Michael A. Taylor and Salvador Perez each sent baseballs sailing into the stands for home runs, while the offense scored in multiple ways and with varied contributions in a 15-7 win over the Padres in the finale of their three-game series in front of an announced crowd of 12,584 at Kauffman Stadium.
That gaudy run total represented a season-high for the Royals, and the offensive outburst helped them avoid being swept in the three-game series. They finished their homestand 3-3 and begin a six-game road trip Tuesday night.
Eight Royals players collected hits, 10 scored and seven drove in runs. They also stole three bases and amassed 18 hits, which matched their season high.
The Royals’ previous season high of 14 runs and 18 hits came in a win over the Colorado Rockies in Denver, on May 13.
Perez went 3 for 5 with two runs scored and two RBIs for the Royals (52-77), while Taylor went 3 for 6 with a run scored and four RBIs. Perez’s 18th home run of the season tied him with rookie infielder Bobby Witt Jr. for the team lead.
Royals third baseman Hunter Dozier enjoyed a four-hit day (3 for 5) that included a double and three runs scored as well as a pair of stolen bases, while infielder Nicky Lopez (2 for 4, RBI), rookie outfielder Drew Waters (2 for 3, two runs scored, two walks, two RBIs) and catcher Sebastian Rivero (2 for 4) had two hits apiece.
Royals starting pitcher Jonathan Heasley allowed four runs (three earned) on four hits and two walks in five innings. He also matched a career high with seven strikeouts.
The Padres (70-59) finished the game with a position player, former Royals prospect Wil Myers, on the mound pitching in the eighth inning.
