Royals use early offense to beat Rangers

11:00 PM, May 15, 2012   |    comments
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Arlington, TX (Sports Network) - Brayan Pena ripped a two-run single as part of a four-run first inning and the Kansas City Royals never looked back en route to a 7-4 victory and a sweep of the Texas Rangers in a two-game series.

Billy Butler and Eric Hosmer cracked RBI doubles, Mike Moustakas clubbed a solo home run and Chris Getz added an RBI single for the Royals, who have won four straight and six of their last seven games.

Vin Mazzaro (1-0) allowed three runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out two over five solid innings to earn the win. Jose Mijares and Greg Holland combined to close it out in the ninth.

Pinch-hitter Brandon Snyder belted a solo home run, David Murphy hit an RBI double for Texas. Mitch Moreland had a run-scoring single and Josh Hamilton knocked in a run with a sacrifice fly for the defending American League champs, who have dropped three of their last four.

Colby Lewis (3-3) was tagged for seven runs -- only two earned -- on eight hits and two walks while whiffing four in 5 2/3 innings.

The Sports Network