Lorenzo Cain homered, drove in four runs, Kendrys Morales homered and drove in three runs as the Royals cranked out a season high 18-hits to beat the Tampa Bay Rays 10-5 on Tuesday night, extending their winning streak to a season-high five games.  The Royals have won six straight series and hold a two-game lead over the Chicago White Sox in the AL Central after being seven games out and in fourth place just 21 days ago.

Cain, Morales and Eric Hosmer are all stepping up with Alex, Moose and Salvy all sidelined with injuries.  Hosmer had three more hits and drove in two runs. Hosmer is 13 for 30 with 13 RBI on this homestand and has an eight-game hit streak.

“We’re just rolling now,” Hosmer said. “We’re getting early leads, and everyone is swinging the bats well.”

Rays starter Drew Smyly (2-7) pitched four innings, giving up eight runs and 12 hits. Dillon Gee got the win, only going five innings and was done after 102 pitches.  He did strike out seven and gave up four runs and nine hits, while walking one and striking out seven.