KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) – Danny Duffy pitched six effective innings and rookie Whit Merrifield had two hits and scored a run as the Kansas City Royals beat the Tampa Bay Rays 6-3 on Wednesday night to complete a 6-0 homestand.

The last time the Royals had a homestand of 6-0 or better was June 2-8, 1988, when they went 7-0.

Duffy (1-0) yielded three runs and seven hits, while walking none and striking out six over six innings, his longest outing since moving into the rotation on May 15.

Royals relievers Joakim Soria, Kelvin Herrera and Wade Davis held the Rays scoreless over the final three innings. Davis picked up his 16th save in 17 chances, but not before walking one, giving up a hit and uncorking a wild pitch.

Merrifield has hit in his first 11 career starts, which is a Royals’ record.