KANSAS CITY, Mo., Aug. 6 (UPI) -- Billy Butler's two-run homer ignited a five-run first inning Thursday and the Kansas City Royals went on to defeat Seattle 8-2.
The Royals ended a three-game losing streak, batting around in the first inning off Jason Vargas (3-6).
David DeJesus walked on four pitches to open the first and was erased at second on a fielder's choice grounder by Willie Bloomquist. Butler then gave Kansas City the lead for good with his 13th home run.
Brayan Pena and Alberto Callaspo kept things going with singles and both runners scored on a double by Mark Teahen. A two-out double by Yuniesky Betancourt brought in Teahen.
The big first inning allowed Bruce Chen (1-6), who had an elbow ligament replaced in 2007, to pick up his first victory in four years. Chen's last win had come Oct. 2, 2005, as a member of the Baltimore Orioles.
Chen allowed two runs on 10 hits in 6 2/3 innings. He struck out four and threw 101 pitches.
