PHOENIX — Zack Greinke gave up multiple runs in three of the first four innings in a highly uncharacteristic start for the Kansas City Royals veteran, who pitched in one of his familiar haunts against one of his former team.
Greinke gave up a season-high seven runs in a 9-5 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first game of a two-game interleague set Monday night in front of 14,629 at Chase Field.
The Royals have lost five in a row.
Kansas City smacked 12 hits, including three home runs. Whit Merrifield, Bobby Witt Jr. and Hunter Dozier each hit first-inning home runs, including Merrifield on the first pitch of the game.
Carlos Santana went 3-for-5. Merrifield (2-for-5, RBI, two runs scored) and Witt (2-for-5, RBI, run scored) also had multi-hit days, while Andrew Benintendi was on base three times with a hit and two walks.
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