Royals rookie pitcher Will Smith’s second start was a little shaky, but after getting early run support, he settled down and picked up his first major league win as the Royals beat the Indians 8-2, Tuesday night.
Mike Moustakas drove in a career high four RBI, by hitting a two-run homer off Cleveland starter Justin Masterson (2-4) in the first inning and then singled in two runs in the second as the Royals built a 7-2 lead for Smith (1-1).
Smith had a 2-0 lead in the first, but walked the first two hitters he faced and gave up a single to load the bases. Smith held the Indians to two runs and settled down.
After two singles in the third, the only Cleveland player to reach was on a throwing Moustakas throwing error and a double play killed that quickly. Smith walked two and struck out five in six innings. It was so bad in the first, recently recalled Vin Mazzaro was warming up in the bullpen.