Merrifield, Volquez lead Royals to win over Indians

By DAVE SKRETTA
AP Sports Writer

Witt Merrifield hits his first career triple in the Royals game against the Cleveland Indians. (Photo courtesy Kansas City Royals / by Jason Hanna) — Whit Merrifield hits his first career triple in the Royals game against the Cleveland Indians. (Photo courtesy Kansas City Royals / by Jason Hanna)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) – Whit Merrifield hit his first career homer, Edinson Volquez tossed seven innings of two-hit ball and the Kansas City Royals beat Cleveland 2-1 on Monday night to end a five-game skid against the Indians.

Alcides Esocbar also drove in a run for the Royals, who have won three in a row after an eight-game losing streak. They also won their seventh consecutive game at Kauffman Stadium.

Volquez (6-6) walked the bases loaded in the first inning before settling down, allowing only a double to Jason Kipnis and a single to Lonnie Chisenhall. Volquez also hit a batter with a pitch and worked around an error, but ultimately kept the Indians from pushing a run across.