Salvador Pérez leads Royals’ thrashing of Blue Jays
In a memorable night for the Royals, Salvador Pérez hit a three-run home run in an explosive first inning, setting the course for a resounding victory over the Blue Jays with a final score of 20-1.
The Kansas City team unleashed all its offensive power, sending ten batters to the plate in the first inning against pitcher Max Scherzer, who had a forgettable outing, recording only two outs and allowing seven hits. This performance marked Scherzer’s shortest outing of his career, not counting times he has left due to injury.
The Blue Jays’ 19-run defeat ties the largest margin in a regular season game in September or later for a division leader, a record they share with the Padres’ loss to the Rockies in 2005.
After a home run by George Springer in the top of the first inning, the Royals responded quickly. Carter Jensen with a double and Bobby Witt Jr. with a run-scoring single tied the game. Subsequently, Vinnie Pasquantino hit a double that put Kansas City ahead.
Following a walk to Maikel García and the ejection of Toronto’s pitching coach, Pete Walker, Pérez hit his 30th home run. Michael Massey added a two-run homer, extending the lead to 7-1.
Debuting as the leadoff hitter, Jensen shined with three doubles, two of them against Scherzer in the first inning. Jensen became the first Royals player with multiple doubles in the same inning.
Jac Caglianone hit a three-run homer in the seventh inning, adding to the Royals’ tally of 10 runs and 13 hits in 1 1/3 innings against catcher Tyler Heineman. Isiah Kiner-Falefa pitched the final two outs in the eighth inning.
Pasquantino led the offense with four hits, including two doubles, as the Royals set a franchise record with 27 hits and eight extra-base hits in the first three innings.
Royals’ starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen (6-11) allowed one run and three hits, with three walks and four strikeouts in 7 2/3 innings, earning his first win since July 6.
