By Jayson Henderson

PHOENIX — Vinnie Pasquantino hit two home runs and drove in a career-high six RBIs as the Kansas City Royals beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 9-3 on Friday.

Pasquantino’s first homer came early, a three-run shot that gave the Royals a 3-0 lead. He followed with an RBI single in the second inning and a two-run homer in the fourth, pushing his season total to 14 home runs.

The strong offense helped starter Kris Bubic relax after a rough start. Bubic settled down to pitch seven innings, allowing three runs and striking out six.

Mark Canha also added his first homer of the season in the fifth. The Royals collected 14 hits, including six extra-base hits, showing improved hitting after a recent low-scoring stretch.

Manager Matt Quatraro praised Pasquantino’s power and the team’s early run support.