Royals 6, Rays 3
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Third baseman Mike Moustakas was 3-for-5 with three RBIs to lead the Kansas City Royals to a 6-3 win over the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on Saturday.
Moustakas had two RBI doubles and added an RBI single in the ninth inning to provide an insurance run for Kansas City (80-49).
Royals starter Kris Medlen gave up three runs on four hits in 5 1/3 innings to improve his record to 3-0. He struck out five and threw 78 pitches (49 strikes).
Wade Davis pitched a perfect ninth inning to record his 13th save of the season.
Designated hitter Kendrys Morales and Moustakas had RBI hits in the fifth inning to chase Rays starting pitcher Jake Odorizzi and give the Royals a 4-3 lead. Shortstop Alcides Escobar led off the fifth with a single and came around to score on Morales' single.
Moustakas followed with a double to the gap in left that scored center fielder Lorenzo Cain.
The Rays scored three runs in the fourth inning off Medlen to give Tampa Bay a 3-2 lead.
Designated hitter John Jaso led off the frame with a double and scored on a single from shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera. Two batters later, center fielder Kevin Kiermaier hit a line drive home run to right field -- his sixth of the season.
Moustakas and first baseman Eric Hosmer had RBI doubles in the fourth to open the scoring.
Odorizzi gave up four runs on seven hits in 4 2/3 innings. He struck out five and walked two on 93 pitches (57 strikes).
NOTES: Royals LF Alex Gordon is continuing his rehab stint in Triple-A Omaha and will likely be part of September call-ups. "That's a reasonable expectation," Royals Manager Ned Yost said. ... Rays OF Brandon Guyer was hit by a pitch for the 18th time Friday, leading the American League by four over Chicago White Sox slugger Jose Abreu. ... Royals closer Greg Holland complained of elbow soreness while earning his 28th save of the season Friday. Yost said it is unlikely Holland will be available for relief Saturday. ... If the Royals win Sunday, they would be the first team to go 7-0 against the Rays in a season series.