EMMANUEL RIVERA

Aaron Judge became the first big leaguer with 40 homers this season, smashed a grand slam for No. 41 and robbed a home run in right field as the New York Yankees rallied to beat the Kansas City Royals 11-5.

Justin Verlander got his MLB-leading 11th win, Yordan Alvarez hit his 26th homer and the Houston Astros beat the Kansas City Royals 5-2 to take the series 3-1.

Shohei Ohtani struck out a career-high 13 over eight dominant innings of two-hit ball, and the AL MVP also reached base three times in the Los Angeles Angels’ 5-0 victory over the Kansas City Royals.

Blue Jays Royals Baseball Kansas City Royals' Emmanuel Rivera, right, is caught stealing second base by Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Matt Chapman, left, during the fourth inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, June 8, 2022, in Kansas City, Mo. “I mean, it's helpful when you start talking about hitter's counts instead of pitcher's counts,” Matheny said afterward. He improved to 3-1 in his five starts while the rest of the Kansas City rotation is 3-25 in 50 combined starts. “It gets tough,” Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo said, "because you've got to cover eight, nine innings when the bullpen is already thin. UP NEXTThe Blue Jays are off Thursday before sending RHP Jose Berrios (4-2, 5.24) to the mound to open a three-game set against the Tigers on Friday night.

MJ Melendez and Emmanuel Rivera drove in two runs apiece, leading Brady Singer and the Kansas City Royals over the Toronto Blue Jays 8-4 to end a three-game losing streak.

Adam Wainwright pitched seven innings of one-hit ball, Nolan Arenado hit a three-run shot and finished with five RBIs, and the Cardinals beat the Royals 10-0 to take their four-game season series.

Paul Goldschmidt hit an early home run and Steven Matz and the St. Louis bullpen made it stand up, leading the Cardinals over the Kansas City Royals 1-0.

Royals Cubs Baseball Kansas City Royals' Emmanuel Rivera, right, celebrates with Nicky Lopez after hitting a solo home run in the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs, Friday, Aug. 20, 2021, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) (Nam Y. Huh)CHICAGO — (AP) — Salvador Perez hit two of Kansas City's five home runs in the Royals' 6-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Friday. Perez broke a 2-2 tie in the sixth inning with his second homer of the day off Zach Davies (6-10). The right-hander struck out eight, allowing one earned run on four hits in six innings. UP NEXTRoyals left-hander Kris Bubic (3-6, 5.09 ERA) and Cubs right-hander Keegan Thompson (3-2, 2.21 ERA) start on Saturday.

Salvador Perez hit two of Kansas City’s five home runs in the Royals’ 6-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Friday.