KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) Bruce Chen worked five innings and Salvador Perez doubled home two runs and the Kansas City Royals beat the Cleveland Indians 7-2 on Wednesday night.
Chen was pulled in the sixth after giving up a single to Michael Bourn and walking Nick Swisher to lead off the inning.
Francisley Bueno replaced Chen and recorded two outs with three pitches.
After Jeff Kipnis advanced the runners with a sacrifice bunt, Bueno kept the runners put when Carlos Santana grounded out to third baseman Mike Moustakas. Louis Coleman came in and retired Ryan Raburn on a fly to right to strand the runners.
Royals relievers Tim Collins, Will Smith and Greg Holland preserved the lead, allowing just one hit, to keep the team’s playoff chances alive.
The Royals have Thursday off before welcoming in the Texas Rangers this weekend. The Rangers hold the second of two AL Wild Cards spots, as the Royals are two and a half games back with 10 to play.
