Eight strong innings from Jordan Lyles and the KC bats show up in a Royals win: recap

The Kansas City Royals took out their frustrations against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night. KC recorded 17 hits in a 13-2 blowout victory at Kauffman Stadium.

The Royals rebounded after a disappointing midweek series against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The offense scuffled with 12 total hits and four runs across three games.

It was a different story on Friday. Every starter recorded a hit as Red Sox starter James Paxton exited the game in the second inning.

Royals duo Bobby Witt Jr. and Salvador Perez began the offensive barrage. They hit back-to-back home runs against Paxton.

“You guys know what happened the last series,” Perez said. “It’s something that we could’ve played better baseball. So we talked a little about that today. We tried to be aggressive and not try to be too patient at home plate.”

Witt blasted his 28th homer and moved closer to joining Major League Baseball’s exclusive 30-30 club. Perez hit two home runs and recorded four RBIs.

Perez now has seven seasons with at least 20 home runs. He trails MLB Hall of Famer George Brett (eight) for most seasons in franchise history.

“That was a big homer for him,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “The 20th (home run), it’s a pretty special accomplishment. ... Any time you are in company with (Brett), that’s pretty cool.”

The Royals scored six runs in the sixth inning. KC added six hits from the bottom of the order as outfielder Kyle Isbel hit a RBI double. Later, left fielder Nelson Velázquez hit his ninth home run to punctuate the victory.

Boston was held to five hits.

Royals starter Jordan Lyles limited the Red Sox to two runs across eight innings. His lone damage was a two-run homer from Boston star Alex Verdugo.

“I think today comes down to our offense being able to put up so many runs early on,” Lyles said. “At that point, I’m trying not to walk guys. I’m trying to stay in the zone early and often.”

The Royals improved to 42-94.

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Here are more notables from Friday’s game:

Nick Loftin records first MLB hit

The Royals got a closer look at top prospect Nick Loftin on Friday. Loftin, 24, made his MLB debut after being called up from Triple-A Omaha.

Loftin went 2 for 3. In the third inning, Loftin hit an RBI double against Red Sox reliever Brandon Walter. The double traveled 398 feet and hit off the base of the left-field wall.

“I got it pretty well,” Loftin said. “I was very fortunate to get a changeup hanging up in the zone. I put a good swing on it and the rest was history.”

Royals outfielder Drew Waters scored on the play. KC extended its lead to 7-0 en route to a series-opening victory.

Loftin is the seventh Royal to make his MLB debut this season. He joins Austin Cox, Samad Taylor, James McArthur, Alec Marsh, John McMillon and Steven Cruz.

The Royals also made a pair of corresponding roster moves.

KC recalled outfielder Edward Olivares and reliever James McArthur from Triple-A. Meanwhile, starting pitcher Brady Singer was placed on the paternity list and reliever Joe Barlow was designated for assignment.

Jordan Lyles shines across eight innings

Lyles was rewarded with ample run support against the Red Sox. It made for an easy night as he cruised to his fourth victory this season.

“It felt really good for him to have a night like that,” Quatraro said.

Lyles relied primarily on his fastball and slider to keep a potent Red Sox lineup off-balance. He generated 19 called strikes and 13 whiffs.

After the game, Lyles noted he worked on his curveball and cutter. The veteran also altered his position on the pitching mound to develop better extension for his slider and sweeper.

“We put up a big number early and Freddy (Fermin) and I were able to get in cruise control and pretty much not walk anyone,” Lyles said.

This season, Lyles has completed at least five innings in 23 of his 25 starts. He struck out seven batters and didn’t allow a walk.

What’s next: The Royals continue their three-game series against the Red Sox. Rookie pitcher Alec Marsh will start Saturday against Red Sox hurler Tanner Houck.