Andrew Benintendi, Salvador Perez and Hunter Dozier homered, Nicky Lopez drove in the go-ahead run in the seventh inning and Kris Bubic got his first victory of the season in the Royals’ 6-2 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.

Kris Bubic, who came into the game as one of four pitchers in the majors to have at least eight starts and no wins this season, struck out a season-high seven in six innings to improve to 1-4.

Taylor Ward had two hits – including a homer in the third inning – and drove in both runs for the Angels. Los Angeles had come in with some momentum after taking four of five in Seattle, but managed only seven hits.

Noah Syndergaard worked into the eighth inning for only the second time in 11 starts, but struggled at the end. Syndergaard (4-6) allowed five runs on eight hits in 7 1/3 innings. The right-hander struck out five and walked two.

The game was tied at 2 when Dozier singled to center to lead off the seventh. He stole second and came home when Lopez lined a double to right.

Benintendi and Perez both had two-run shots as the Royals won for the fourth time in five games.

Whit Merrifield led off the game with a base hit before Benintendi drove a 94.6 mph fastball from Syndergaard into the seats in right-center to give the Royals a 2-0 lead four pitches into the game. Benintendi finished with two hits after he went 5 for 23 during the first six games of the road trip.

Perez chased Syndergaard in the eighth inning with a blast to center to make it 5-2. Dozier added a solo homer later in the frame off Jaime Barria.

UP NEXT

Royals RHP Jonathan Heasley (1-3, 3.72 ERA) faces Reid Detmers (2-3, 4.25 ERA) as the series continues tonight. Pregame is at 8 p.m., with game time at 8:40. You can hear the broadcast from the Royals’ Radio Network on KMMO FM 102.9.