Royals at Astros
Ryan O'Hearn and Whit Merrifield became the first Royals in 15 years to hit grand slams in the same game and the pair looks to help Kansas City win the three-game series against the host Houston Astros on Wednesday. Merrifield went 4-for-5 with five RBIs and Jorge Soler added a solo shot as the Royals recorded a 12-2 victory for their second-highest scoring effort of the season.
Abraham Nunez and John Buck were the last Kansas City players to hit grand slams in the same game and the latest episode improved the Royals' road record to 5-13. The 12-run splurge comes three days after Kansas City racked up a season-high 15 in a victory over the Detroit Tigers. The Astros had a three-game winning streak halted and the bats that produced 30 runs during that stretch were 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position Tuesday. Carlos Correa went 0-for-4 to end a career-best 16-game hitting streak while Jose Altuve was hitless in four at-bats to drop to 6-for-45 over the past 13 games.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FS Kansas City, AT&T SportsNet Southwest (Houston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Jorge Lopez (0-3, 5.09 ERA) vs. Astros RH Brad Peacock (2-2, 5.28)
Lopez is winless in seven starts and has allowed four runs in five of the outings. The 26-year-old lost to the Detroit Tigers in his last start when he gave up five hits and two walks - and four runs - while striking out six in seven innings. Lopez hasn't allowed a homer in his last two starts after serving up seven over his first five.
Peacock was torched for seven runs and eight hits over 3 2/3 innings while losing to the Minnesota Twins in his last turn. The 31-year-old was solid in his previous start as he gave up one run and four hits over six innings in a no-decision against the Cleveland Indians. Peacock will be making his first career start against the Royals but has a 2.79 ERA in seven relief appearances against the club.
WALK-OFFS
1. Merrifield was 3-for-18 over the previous four contests before registering his first four-hit game of the campaign.
2. Houston 3B Alex Bregman homered Tuesday and has six blasts over the last seven games.
3. Soler is 10-for-21 with two homers, five RBIs and two doubles during a five-game hitting streak.