The 27-year-old Royals rookie hit his first career homer Monday night and helped turn three important double plays, backing a strong performance by Edinson Volquez as Kansas City beat the Cleveland Indians 2-1 to end a five-game skid against its division rival. ''I wasn't planning on coming here and going back,'' said Merrifield, who made his big league debut last month and has gradually gone from being a super-utility player to the everyday second baseman. Alcides Escobar drove in Merrifield to provide the other run for the Royals, who have won three in a row after an eight-game skid. More...