Ned Yost records 500th victory as Royals manager in win over Chicago

Sunday’s victory held special significance for manager Ned Yost, who recorded his 500th victory with the Royals. Not that he paid much attention to the feat.

“The series (win) means more,” Yost said, after a 3-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox. “I mean, I don’t really look at that stuff for myself. This win was big today, because it’s a team win and it’s a series win. That’s what’s important.”

Yost entered Sunday with a 499-499 mark since taking over as Royals manager on May 13, 2010. He previously surpassed Whitey Herzog (410 wins) for most wins by a Royals manager.

Yost is also sixth among active managers in total games (1,958) and wins (957).

Butera’s mind on his hometown

Royals backup catcher Drew Butera grew up in the Orlando area and still resides their in the offseason. So, naturally, his mind drifted toward his hometown Sunday morning after hearing of the attack on a gay nightclub that left 50 persons dead.

“Shocked,” Butera said. “You never want to see that type of thing happen in any town, especially your own town. It’s sad.”

Butera said he spent much of Sunday morning exchanging texts with friends and family from the area. By late afternoon, he was eager to talk to his parents by phone.

Merrifield taking to the leadoff spot

In his third game since moving to the leadoff spot, utility man Whit Merrifield finished 3 for 5 with a double, sparking the Royals’ offense. He finished 5 for 14 in the series, raising his season average to .322.

“I have done it my whole life pretty much,” Merrifield said. “The whole key is to get on base. Right now ,I don’t have many walks, but that’s because they don’t want to walk me to get to (Lorenzo Cain) and (Eric Hosmer). They are throwing me a lot of strikes.”

This story was originally published June 12, 2016 at 7:44 PM with the headline "Ned Yost records 500th victory as Royals manager in win over Chicago."