‘Five more push-ups’ from a cycle, Dairon Blanco keys Kansas City Royals win vs. Tigers

Royals fans have grown accustomed to Dairon Blanco’s elite speed. On Tuesday, the Royals outfielder showed he can change a game with his offense.

Blanco left a sizable imprint against the Tigers. He went 4 for 4 with three RBIs and came a couple feet shy of the cycle.

“I definitely went out there looking for it,” Blanco said via a club translator.

The Royals scored 11 runs to complement his effort. KC cruised to its 28th victory with an 11-10 win over the Detroit Tigers at Kauffman Stadium.

In the third inning, Blanco hit an RBI triple against Tigers starter Tarik Skubal. He flew around the bases and slid in before the relay from left field.

Later, he added an RBI single in the fourth inning and a double in the sixth. It was his first four-hit game in his MLB career.

However, he wasn’t done with his memorable performance.

Blanco drove an 83.7 mph sweeper into the center-field gap. The ball hit off the wall as it traveled 395 feet. As a result, Blanco — who entered Tuesday’s game hitting .188 (9 for 48) this season —raised his average 62 points with his career day.

“As soon as it left the bat, I thought it had a chance,” Blanco said. “I saw it hit dirt and I thought I needed five more push-ups and maybe it would’ve gone out.”

The run support helped the Royals pitching staff. Daniel Lynch allowed five runs and six hits in five innings of work. Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson was a thorn in his side. Torkelson went 3 for 5 with two home runs and five RBIs in the game.

Lynch picked up his third win this season. The win was special as he debuted a new name on the back of his jersey: “Lynch IV”

“It’s something that I wanted to do for a while,” Lynch said. “We’ve talked a lot that my dad and my grandfather are definitely the two most influential people in my life. ... I am really proud to share a name with them.”

Detroit made it interesting late. The Tigers scored four runs in the ninth to nearly pull off the comeback victory. Royals closer Scott Barlow closed the door to earn his 12th save.

Missed the start of the series?

Game 1: Jordan Lyles spins scoreless gem, Royals bullpen falters in 3-2 loss

Here are more notables from Tuesday’s game:

Welcome back: Edward Olivares produces in return to lineup

The Royals got an additional boost as outfielder Edward Olivares was activated from the 10-day injured list.

Olivares missed the last six games with a left oblique strain. He returned to the lineup on Tuesday and provided immediate results. Olivares went 2 for 3 with a double and two RBIs.

“I felt like a little 50-50 confidence when I hit in my first at-bat,” Olivares said. “I had a first-pitch swing and it was, ‘Hey, you are ready to go.’ I got a fastball and I was ready to swing. Thank God, I got a double.”

In the fourth inning, Olivares hit a two-run single to extend the Royals’ lead. He drove home teammates Nick Pratto and Freddy Fermin.

“He was a spark,” Quatraro said. “It was nice to see him jump right back in there.”

Olivares recorded a team-high .292 batting average (21 for 72) in June. He added nine extra-base hits during the stretch. In May, his notable highlights included breaking the scoreboard at Kauffman Stadium thanks to a mammoth home run.

Royals score five runs in fourth

The Royals tagged Tigers starter Tarik Skubal early.

The offense scored five runs in the fourth inning to create a sizable advantage. KC collected six hits in the frame as Olivares delivered the big blow. He hit a two-run single in his return from the injured list.

Royals outfielder Drew Waters also hit a triple in the frame. Meanwhile, Blanco and Fermin each collected RBIs in the pivotal inning.

“The tenacity to keep adding on,” Quatraro said. “Being advantageous there in the five-run inning. With the pick off, it could’ve been demoralizing. But, to keep grinding through that inning, ... to see that adjustment the second time through was nice.”

What’s next: The Royals continue their four-game series against the Tigers. Ryan Yarbrough will start Wednesday against Tigers ace Eduardo Rodriguez.