Royals starter Jeremy Guthrie (14-10) allowed just one run and nine hits, and was helped by three double plays as the Royals beat the Cleveland Indians 6-3. That, along with Tampa Bay’s loss to Boston, pulled the Royals within three games of a wild-card spot.
Alcides Escobar hit a rare home run and singled in a run in the eighth, Mike Moustakas hit a two-run double and Billy Butler and Sal Perez picked up RBIs as the Royals snapped a six game losing streak against the Indians in Cleveland.
Royals reliever Luke Hochevar struck out all five batters he faced, and closer Greg Holland worked a perfect ninth for his 41st save.
The series finale, a 11:05 local time start, will match Kansas City’s James Shields (10-9) against Scott Kazmir (8-7).