KANSAS CITY, Mo. — It was “Star Wars” night at Kauffman Stadium, as fans arrived dressed as their favorite characters of the movie franchise.

The Royals, who have operated at lightspeed with this season’s rebuild efforts, looked to keep their winning ways going against the Texas Rangers. But the 2023 World Series champs struck back with a 15-4 victory on Saturday night.

The force was not strong with the Royals this Saturday evening.

The Rangers attacked Royals starter Michael Wacha early. He allowed seven runs in 3 2/3 innings before departing in the fourth inning. Namely, the Rangers took advantage of a few mistake pitches.

Texas duo Nathaniel Lowe and Evan Carter did major damage. Lowe finished 4 for 4 with two RBIs. Carter hit a two-run triple in the third inning to extend the Rangers’ lead to four runs.

Wacha threw 44 of 77 pitches for strikes. He got 13 swings and six whiffs on his change-up, but the Rangers feasted on his four-seam fastball.

Carter squared up a heater that was thrown on the inside corner. Lowe hit a 94.3-mph fastball that was left over the plate.

The Rangers added three additional runs in the seventh inning. The run support was enough for starting pitcher Dane Dunning. He allowed two earned runs in 4 2/3 innings of work.

The Royals did get their chance to make things closer.

Outfielder Hunter Renfroe hit a two-run single to put KC on the board. Later, first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino added an RBI.

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