DeShields’ dinger lifts Rangers after duel in KC

KANSAS CITY — Home runs continue to be a problem for the Royals.

After a solid start by right-hander Edinson Volquez on Sunday, Kansas City turned the ball over to Luke Hochevar in the seventh, and for the second straight day, the Royals’ bullpen wasn’t able to get the job done. Delino DeShields hit a go-ahead homer to left-center field, and the Rangers held on for 2-1 win at Kauffman Stadium. The Royals have now given up at least one home run in 11 straight games.

With the win, the Rangers took their first road series since sweeping the Cardinals on June 17-19. Meanwhile, the Royals fell to 5-12 in their last 17 games and dropped to below .500 for the first time since May 17.

Texas closer Sam Dyson gave up a pair of singles in the ninth, but got pinch-hitter Christian Colon for his 20th save.

Rangers right-hander A.J. Griffin looked solid after shaky outings in his last two starts. He held the Royals to one run on four hits in five innings.

Volquez gave up seven hits and three walks in six innings, but got crucial outs to keep the Rangers off the board until the sixth. Hochevar took the loss, his second in July.

MOMENTS THAT MATTEREDDeShields back? DeShields is trying to restore the Rangers’ trust in him after being recalled from Triple-A Round Rock on Friday. Games like Sunday will help, as he had a walk, a stolen base and a double, to go along with his home …

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