Royals Beat Indians 8-3, Snap Losing Skid

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Royals cruised to an 8-3 victory over the Cleveland Indians at Kauffman Stadium on Tuesday night, snapping a five-game losing streak.

What at first was a nip and tuck game turned into a blowout by the third inning. The Royals took an 8-3 lead after an RBI triple by shortstop Alcides Escobar.

After getting swept by the Seattle Mariners (49-57) over the weekend, starting pitcher Luke Hochevar and the Royals (42-60, 18-30 home) kicked off their six-game homestand in style.

Hochevar (7-9, 5.22 ERA) gave up three runs on seven hits in 6 innings, striking out six and walking three. Indians starter Derek Lowe (8-10, 5.52 ERA) didn’t fare so well, giving up seven runs on eight hits in 2 1/3 innings.

The Indians (50-53, 23-28 away) have now lost four straight, but remain only six games behind the first place Chicago White Sox (56-47) in the A.L. Central.

Indians right-hander Zach McAllister (4-2, 3.18 ERA) takes the hill against right-hander Luis Mendoza (4-7, 4.47 ERA) for game two on Wednesday night at Kauffman Stadium.