Kansas City Royals begin a special 20-game stretch by smashing the Phillies at The K

The Kansas City Royals began their daunting expedition through a difficult 20-game stretch on Friday night against the Philadelphia Phillies.

The Phillies, who lead the National League East, entered as the first of many division-leading opponents lined up on the KC ledger.

Their star-studded roster features the likes of Bryce Harper and J.T. Realmuto. The feared duo posed a credible threat to the Royals and Friday’s starter Michael Wacha, as will a division-leading opponent in 16 of the next 19 Royals games.

Well, the Royals came out swinging. KC pounded 12 hits en route to a 7-4 victory at Kauffman Stadium.

“We know we’ve got to get up there and get ahead quick,” Royals outfielder Hunter Renfroe said. “And really, just focus down and do our thing. You know, swing at strikes, take pitches when we can and put the ball in play.”

That they did.

The Royals scored five runs in the third inning. Leadoff hitter Michael Massey singled to begin the frame. Two batters later, first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino collected his 96th RBI as Massey raced home.

Then, Renfroe and fellow slugger Salvador Perez and generated a seismic eruption with a pair of two-run homers.

Both players reached milestones: Perez recorded his 900th career RBI and Renfroe surpassed the 500 RBI mark in his professional tenure.

“I thank God for keeping me healthy and, you know, I was trying to do my job,” Perez said. “I love to play baseball and you guys know that. So, hopefully many more (RBIs).”

The Phillies failed to recover. Wacha surrendered two earned runs across six innings as he earned his 11th victory. He allowed six hits and struck out five batters.

Phillies outfielders Nick Castellanos and Brandon Marsh recorded RBIs. Second baseman Bryson Stott added a sacrifice fly in a two-run eighth inning that narrowed the score late.

The Royals improved to 72-56. They handed Phillies starter Taijuan Walker his fifth loss after he lasted three innings and gave up six runs.

“I was happy we were able to put some pitches on him there because with our lefties in the lineup, that was a challenge,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “You know, they didn’t take any at-bats off. ... Just to be able to keep pushing and have quality at-bats was nice.”

The Phillies dropped to 74-54 and have lost four of their last five games.

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Here are more notables from Friday’s game:

Michael Wacha continues hot streak

Wacha has provided the Royals with consistent innings this season. The veteran right-hander produced another quality start on Friday night.

Wacha displayed his entire pitching arsenal against the Phillies. He relied on his signature changeup and saw increased velocity on his sinker, slider and curveball.

“Body is feeling good right now,” Wacha said. “You know, it was a packed out crowd there tonight. They were into it, every pitch, early on in the game as well. And just had a little extra energy from the crowd. I would say just feeling that energy from them, I was able to channel it and get a little extra on the fastball.”

The sinker touched 97 mph early in the game, per Baseball Savant. Wacha induced 50 swings and 14 whiffs on the night.

And he didn’t issue a walk throughout his start.

In the third inning, Wacha avoided trouble. He surrendered a run, but evaded a potential big frame by inducing Phillies star Trea Turner to ground into a 5-4-3 double play.

“I had already given up a run that inning and just tried to be stingy with it,” Wacha said. “Limit the damage to the one there. Defense made a good play and good turn on a really quick dude.”

Wacha improved to 7-0 in his last nine starts since July 3. It’s his longest winning streak of the season. Additionally, Wacha has a 1.89 ERA in three August starts.

Postseason Mix

The Royals gained ground on the Cleveland Guardians (73-55) in the American Central race. On Friday night, the Guardians lost 5-3 to the Texas Rangers at home.

KC now trails Cleveland by one game in the divisional race. The teams are slated to play seven times within the next two weeks.

The Royals also moved ahead of the Minnesota Twins (71-57) for second place in the division. The Twins lost to the St. Louis Cardinals 6-1.

In the AL Wild Card picture, the Royals are positioned in the second spot. They are 4.5 games in front of the Boston Red Sox (67-60) after Friday’s matchups, as well as one game up on the Twins.

What’s next on the KC Royals schedule?

The Royals continue their interleague series against the Phillies. On Saturday, KC right-hander Brady Singer will make his 26th start this season.

Singer is 6-4 with a 2.50 ERA at Kauffman Stadium. He has allowed just four earned runs in his last 19 ⅔ innings at home. The Phillies are expected to start left-hander Ranger Suarez as he returns from the 15-day injured list.