KANSAS CITY -- Here are three takeaways from the [Royals’ 8-2 win](https://www.mlb.com/royals/gameday/565718) over the Rays in the second game of a doubleheader Wednesday, completing a sweep. The Royals [won the opener, 3-2](https://www.mlb.com/royals/gameday/565719).\n\nIt was the Royals’ first traditional doubleheader sweep since Sept. 13, 2008, at Cleveland.\n\n**1\\. Tip of the hat to Sparky**\n\nRight-hander
Sparkman was notified Tuesday he would get the start and didn’t arrive in Kansas City until 1 a.m. CT from Nashville, where Triple-A Omaha was playing.\n\n“My focus today was stay calm and relaxed and not let the game seem too big,” Sparkman said. “It helped getting that \\[run\\] cushion. I felt good. My fastball felt really good, both inside and outside.”\n\nSparkman gave the bullpen a rest by going seven innings and giving up just three hits and no runs. He walked one and struck out six and recorded his first big-league victory.\n\n“He had everything going for him today,” Yost said. “He was on the attack. He was confident. He was efficient with his pitches.”
**2\\. Key at-bat for Soler**\n\nWho knows how the game would have progressed if not for
Rookie third baseman
**3\\. Key at-bat for Hamilton**\n\nThe Royals were able to punch a hole in this game in the fourth against Snell after Cam Gallagher led off with a walk and Terrance Gore singled. A wild pitch moved each runner up a base.\n\n