The Kansas City Royals take the opening game of their three game series with the Los Angeles Angels, downing the Halos 5-3 Monday night in Anaheim.

The Royals jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the 2 nd inning and scored another in the 3 rd . The Angels were manhandled by winning pitcher John Thomson (1-0) who was making his first appearance for the Royals. Thomson pitched 7 innings, giving up 2 earned runs on 6 hits. Octavio Dotel pitched 1 inning to pick up his 7 th save. L.A. Starter John Lackey (10-5) went 8 innings, giving up 3 earned runs on 6 hits while striking out 6.

The Royals (31-46) and the Angels (49-28) play again Tuesday night at Angel Stadium. Gil Meche (4-6) goes to the mound for Kansas City against The Angels’ Ervin Santana (5-7).