In a commanding performance, the Kansas City Royals swept the Cincinnati Reds with an 8-1 victory on Sunday. Dairon Blanco, who hit his third home run in two days, played a significant role in the Royals’ dominant win. Despite limited playing time before the series, Blanco’s outstanding performance helped the Royals outscore the Reds 26-3. Manager Matt Quatrao commended Blanco’s readiness and physical abilities, emphasizing his crucial role in the team. Blanco, a 31-year-old outfielder from Cuba, emerged as a standout player in the series, despite sharing the field with All-Star Bobby Witt Jr. and other high-performing teammates with over 80 RBIs.

Blanco’s contribution extended beyond his home runs, as he kickstarted a two-run third inning against pitcher Andrew Abbott by executing a bunt single. Additionally, Blanco stole second base and scored on Vinnie Pasquantino’s hit, while Salvatore Perez added to the scoreline with a sacrifice fly. Pasquantino, with three RBIs in the game, surpassed Witt in total RBIs with 92. Royals’ pitcher Brady Singer, who overcame a rain delay to pitch six scoreless innings, also played a pivotal role in the team’s triumph.

Despite a delay, Singer’s focus and control were instrumental in securing the win for the Royals. As the game progressed, relief pitcher Lucas Erceg successfully navigated a bases-loaded situation, striking out two Reds players to thwart a potential comeback. Reds’ pitcher Abbott conceded four runs in five innings, expressing disappointment in his performance following the team’s sweep. The Reds, now focusing on their upcoming game against the Toronto Blue Jays, are determined to bounce back from the series loss.

In the midst of the game, TJ Friedl’s spectacular catch robbed Witt of a potential home run in the seventh inning. Looking ahead, the Royals are set to face the Los Angeles Angels, with Carson Fulmer starting on the mound. Meanwhile, the Reds will take on the Blue Jays, with Kevin Gausman set to start for Toronto. On the injury front, Reds’ pitcher Hunter Greene was placed on the injured list due to right elbow soreness, with further evaluations pending to determine the extent of his injury.