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.

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

The Kansas City Royals placed Brett Eibner on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday with a left ankle sprain. The Royals also optioned right-hander Dillon Gee, who was the winning pitcher Tuesday, to Triple-A Omaha.

The Royals recalled outfielder Reymond Fuentes, who was their opening day right fielder. The Royals also recalled right-hander Peter Moylan, who was optioned Sunday to Omaha.