Alex Gordon reacts after striking out to end the fifth inning. (photo/MLB)

Alex Gordon reacts after striking out to end the fifth inning. (photo/MLB)

Evan Longoria drove in two runs, and Jeremy Hellickson coming back after arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow in January, gave up one run and six hits as the Tampa Bay Rays beat the  Royals 4-3 on Tuesday night.

Salvador Perez had three RBIs, including a two-run single off Jake McGee in the ninth that pulled the Royals within 4-3. McGee ended the game by striking out Omar Infante with a runner on second.  Kansas City’s Lorenzo Cain reached base five times — four hits and a walk. The Royals went 1 for 10 with runners in scoring position through eight innings.

Jason Vargas suffered his first road loss of the season by allowing two runs and six hits in 5.2 innings.