KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Yandy Diaz hit a three-run double, Drew Rasmussen allowed one run over five innings and the Tampa Bay Rays returned from the All-Star break with a 7-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Friday night at Kauffman Stadium.
Diaz capped a four-run fourth inning with his bases-loaded bloop down the left-field line to give the Rays a 5-1 lead. He has driven in a run in five of the last eight games and tied a season high with his three RBI.
Rasmussen (6-3) allowed an earned run and seven hits, walked one and struck out four.
Francisco Mejia went 2 for 4 with two RBI, while Randy Arozarena and Brandon Lowe each had one.
Royals All-Star Andrew Benintendi had two hits and two RBI. Hunter Dozier added an RBI, scoring Bobby Witt Jr. in the seventh.
In his first start in 11 days, Brad Keller (5-10) had one of his worst outings to date, tying a career worst with five walks and hitting a batter. He allowed four earned runs in four innings and struck out one.
Tampa Bay has won seven of its last eight games and leads the American League wild-card standings. It’s the first time the Rays have won a road series opener since May 6, breaking a nine-series streak.