Royals 6, Indians 3
Mike Moustakas drilled a go-ahead, two-run double in the sixth inning and Jeremy Guthrie pitched six strong innings as visiting Kansas City evened the series at a game apiece.
Alcides Escobar added a solo homer and a run-scoring single for the Royals, who moved within three games of Tampa Bay for the second American League wild-card spot. Guthrie (14-10) allowed one run, scattered nine hits and did not walk a batter while benefiting from three double-play grounders.
Michael Brantley recorded two singles and an RBI while Michael Bourn knocked in a pair for the Indians, who remained 1 1/2 games behind Tampa Bay for the second AL wild-card berth. Cleveland starter Zach McAllister (7-9) gave up four runs and six hits over five-plus innings.
Jason Kipnis and Carlos Santana both singled with two outs in the first and Brantley’s base hit up the middle gave the Indians a 1-0 lead. McAllister blanked the Royals through 4 1/3 innings before Escobar’s solo homer to left on a 3-2 pitch tied the contest.
Moustakas’ double to right snapped a 0-for-16 slump, and he later scored on Salvador Perez’s second single of the game for a 4-1 lead in the sixth. Bourn broke a 0-for-15 slide with a two-run double in the seventh to pull Cleveland within 5-3, but Luke Hochevar came on the strike out all five batters he faced and Greg Holland pitched the ninth for his 41st save.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Escobar’s home run was his first since April 28 against the Indians. He had three the first 21 games of the season and none the next 121. … Lonnie Chisenhall had three hits for the Indians, matching his season high on June 27 at Baltimore. … Billy Butler added two hits and his 75th RBI of the season for the Royals, who snapped a six-game losing streak at Cleveland.