Royals thump Rays with season-high 18 hits

KANSAS CITY — Lorenzo Cain and Kendrys Morales each hit two-run homers, and red-hot Eric Hosmer and Drew Butera each had three hits as the Royals rolled to their fifth straight win, a 10-5 victory over the Rays on Tuesday night at Kauffman Stadium.

The first-place Royals remained two games in front of the White Sox in the American League Central, while the Indians fell 2 1/2 games back. Kansas City notched a season-high 18 hits, with all starting nine in the lineup recording at least one hit.

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Royals rookie left fielder Brett Eibner was carted off the field after collapsing in severe pain with a left ankle injury while pursuing a fly ball in the gap. The Royals’ medical staff diagnosed the injury as a left lateral sprain.

Dillon Gee started for the Royals and went five innings, giving up nine hits and four runs.

Drew Smyly started for the Royals and surrendered 12 hits and eight runs through four innings. Corey Dickerson hit a three-run homer for the Rays, who lost reliever Brad Boxberger to a left side injury in his season debut.

MOMENTS THAT MATTEREDLand of Hoz: Hosmer continued his torrid hitting of late with three more hits, including a double and two RBIs. Hosmer is …

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