Royals offense erupts in Thursday’s win over Angels

ANAHEIM, CALIF.

Kansas City Royals starter Michael Wacha needed a bounce-back performance.

Wacha, who entered Thursday with a 4.97 ERA in eight starts, was in a rough patch. He had allowed 11 earned runs in his last 9 ⅓ innings.

In his last outing, Wacha was battered for seven runs against the Texas Rangers. It prompted the veteran to refine his approach ahead of Thursday’s start against the Los Angeles Angels.

The adjustments worked. Wacha limited the Angels to three runs as the Royals picked up a 10-4 victory in the series opener.

“Maybe a few, just kind of with some pitch selection in certain counts,” Wacha said of his adjustments. “And I was happy with how I got some results with it.”

Wacha allowed three hits, five walks and registered six strikeouts in six innings. The Angels didn’t pose much of a threat early in the game. However, Wacha ran out of gas in the seventh inning.

The Angels scored three runs in the frame as Wacha lost his command late. Still, he did enough to produce a quality start by inducing seven flyouts, 52 total swings and 10 whiffs, per Baseball Savant.

“Those first six innings, I felt like I was locked in,” Wacha said. “Just getting the guys in the dugout and was on the attack mode. I kind of lost it there in the seventh with the leadoff walk and multiple walks after that.”

He didn’t need much help, but he got plenty of it.

On offense ... and defense.

KC scored early against Angels starter Reid Detmers. In the third inning, Royals duo Dairon Blanco and Vinnie Pasquantino hit a pair of two-run homers.

Blanco drove an 87.2 mph slider into the leftfield bullpen. Pasquantino blasted a 442-foot homer off the right-field facade.

“It doesn’t matter if I’m starting or if I’m late (as a pinch runner), I’m always prepared,” Blanco said through a club translator. “I keep working hard and every time I get the opportunity to do it, it’s just a matter of being ready.”

The Royals continued to add runs late. In the middle innings, KC scored four runs against a leaky Angels bullpen.

Pasquantino finished 2-for-3 with three RBIs.

Six Royals contributed with at least one RBI.

“It’s great to get off to a great start in a series like this,” Pasquantino said. “Facing a good arm like Detmers, too. The guy has electric stuff. To be able to (do) that tonight was good.”

KC improved to 23-16 and earned its eighth road victory this season.

DAIRON BLANCO WREAKS HAVOC IN START

The Royals inserted Blanco into the starting lineup on Thursday.

Blanco, who has carved out a key role as a pinch runner, showcased his offensive ability against the Angels. In addition to his two-run homer, Blanco recorded three hits and two stolen bases.

The Royals fed off his production. KC took an early lead as Blanco drove home Royals outfielder Hunter Renfroe. Later, he stole a base before scoring on Maikel Garcia’s double.

“He’s a great athlete and he is a threat whenever he gets on the bases,” Wacha said. “Puts a lot of pressure on other teams. It was fun to watch. He put on a show tonight.”

Blanco increased his batting average with Thursday’s effort. He is now hitting .300 with an .882 OPS (on-base plus slugging).

ROYALS SHINE WITH DEFENSIVE PLAYS

The Royals turned in two stellar defensive highlights.

In the first inning, Royals star Bobby Witt Jr. made a dynamic sliding catch to rob Angels leadoff hitter Nolan Schanuel. Witt covered 129 feet as he chased down a pop-up in shallow left field.

The terrific catch helped Wacha settle into his start. Wacha produced a clean inning after retiring Angels duo Mickey Moniak and Taylor Ward in consecutive order.

In the seventh inning, Royals pitcher Daniel Lynch IV also turned in a key effort.

Lynch escaped trouble by inducing a 1-4-3 double play in his first career relief appearance. He fielded a ground ball from Angels outfielder Kevin Pillar and twirled around to get both runners.

“I don’t know if I’ve seen a better double play started by a pitcher,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said.

KC ROYALS SERIES CONTINUES

The Royals continue their four-game series against the Angels into the weekend.