CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Royals have climbed to with 2.5 games of the second wild card spot after beating Cleveland 6-2 on Wednesday. KC took two out of three from the Tribe and now trails the Indians by only a half game in the AL wild card standings. The Royals are hot, having won 13 of their last 18 games.
Alex Gordon jumped on the first pitch of the game for his 19th home run. James Shields (11-9) got off to his customary slow start in the first inning, then dominated the rest of the way. He retired 16 out of 17 during one stretch. After Shields gave up a pair of singles to open the ninth, Greg Holland came in and retired three straight for his 42nd save.
The Royals and Indians will meet again next week for three games in Kansas City. Until then, the team enjoys an off-day Thursday before opening a three-game series Friday in Detroit.