Ford continues tear, Conroy wins third

Royals right fielder Fred Ford hit two more home runs on Monday night to help Burlington cruise to a 10-3 win against the Rays. Ford's homers, which included a grand slam, give him seven homers on the year and four in the last two days.

Ford's streak has propelled him to second in the league in home runs, but he is still one behind teammate Patrick Leonard. Burlington's third baseman homered in the first inning, bringing his league-leading total to eight. The Appalachian League's top two home run hitters combined to drive in seven Royals' runs. Burlington second baseman Kenny Diekroeger also tallied an RBI. He did not homer against the Rays, but sits at third in the Appalachian League behind his two teammates.

Royals' lefty Patrick Conroy earned his third win of the year to remain undefeated. He threw 5.1 innings, allowing two runs on four hits. Conroy struck out four before a bullpen trio finished it off. Mark Peterson, Yender Caramo and Freddy Rodriguez allowed just three hits over the final 3.2 innings of work.

Burlington ends its rain-shortened road trip and begins a five-game series against the Danville Braves. The first three games against the Braves will be at home, followed by a Friday night game in Danville and a return home on Saturday. All games will start at 7 p.m.