Odor’s homers help Rangers sock it to Royals

ARLINGTON — The Rangers have been seeking a starting pitcher other than Cole Hamels to pick up a win for over a month, and got just that from A.J. Griffin in an 8-3 win over the Royals on Friday night at Globe Life Park.

Texas increased its lead in the American League West to four games, and became the first team in the AL to reach 60 wins. The Royals have lost 10 of 14 since the All-Star break and dropped to 17-34 on the road.

“This time of year, winning baseball games is a premium. It’s the end of July and we’re getting ready to move into August, wins are at a premium,” Rangers manager Jeff Banister said. “This month has not been our best month so finishing on a strong note is a priority.”

The Royals are now 10 games behind the AL Central-leading Indians and 7 1/2 games out of a Wild Card spot.

“[The losses] are tough. They’re tough for everybody,” Royals manager Ned Yost said. “We’re giving up a whole lot of home runs. The offense has been sporadic. It’s just been tough. … I couldn’t have imagined it. I just think the toll has caught up to us.”

Griffin gave up two runs over 5 2/3 innings to pick up his first win since April 26, and first by a Rangers starter besides Hamels since June 26. Eric Hosmer’s two-run homer in the sixth was one of just three hits Griffin yielded on the night.

The Rangers belted three homers, two off Royals starter Edinson Volquez, to help fuel the win. Rougned Odor hit two solo shots, one in the first and one in the seventh. Jurickson Profar hit his fifth homer of the season and scored in three of his four at-bats.

Volquez yielded six runs (five earned) on nine hits through six innings and picked up the loss. He hasn’t won on the road since May 24.

“I think I felt a little strong in the first inning, walking the first guy, I got in trouble myself,” Volquez said. “And after that, I pitched a couple good …

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