Orioles 5, Royals 3
J.J. Hardy hit an early two-run homer and host Baltimore took advantage of three Kansas City errors in one inning to win its fourth straight.
Chris Tillman (3-1) allowed three runs and five hits in six innings to pick up the win. Four relievers combined to toss three scoreless innings, capped by Jim Johnson's 13th save in 13 chances.
Royals starter Luis Mendoza (0-2) gave up five runs (three earned) in six innings. He was hurt by, and contributed to, some sloppy play that allowed the Orioles to take control in the fifth.
After Alex Gordon's solo shot in the fifth cut Baltimore's lead to 2-1, Alcides Escobar's error helped the Orioles get runners on the corners with no outs in the bottom half. Manny Machado singled in a run and the Royals committed two throwing errors - one by Escobar and another by catcher George Kottaras - on a double steal that allowed Nate McLouth to score.
Machado later scored from third on a wild pitch by Mendoza to make it 5-1. Mike Moustakas' two-run blast in the sixth got Kansas City within two but he fouled out with two on to finish the eighth and spoil the Royals' last threat.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Baltimore is 16-8 against right-handers. ... Royals slugger Billy Butler is 2-for-19 in his last five games. ... Orioles 2B Brian Roberts will undergo surgery on his right hamstring, which will keep him out of action another six weeks.