Paulo Orlando (16) is mobbed by teammates after his grand slam (photo/MLB)
Paulo Orlando hit his first career grand slam in the ninth inning off All-Star closer Brad Boxberger to give the Royals a 9-5 win over the Tampa Bay Rays in the opener of a day-night doubleheader on Tuesday. Boxberger was just added to the AL All Star roster by Royals manager Ned Yost.
He gave up singles to Eric Hosmer and Alex Rios before walking Omar Infante to load the bases. Orlando hit his second career home run into the bullpen in left field.
The Rays tied the game off Royals closer Greg Holland (3-0), who allowed a leadoff triple to Kevin Kiermaier in the ninth. After a walk and a strikeout, Holland uncorked a wild pitch allowing Kiermaier to score.