MLB: Kansas City 3, Texas 1

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ARLINGTON, Texas, May 14 (UPI) -- Bruce Chen pitched 6 2/3 effective innings and the Kansas City bullpen took over down the stretch Monday in the Royals' 3-1 victory over Texas.

Chen (2-4) won second straight start following four consecutive defeats, limiting the hot-hitting Rangers to one run on five hits.

The Royals left-hander struck out seven and walked two, staking Kansas City to a victory in the first of a two-game road series.

Kelvin Herrera, Jose Mijares and Aaron Crow teamed for 1 1/3 scoreless frames and Jonathan Broxton earned his eighth save in wrapping up the Royals' triumph.

Alcides Escobar erased a 1-0 deficit with a two-run single in the fifth following third baseman Adrian Beltre's throwing error and Brayan Pena added an RBI for the victors.

Scott Feldman (0-1) was tagged with the loss despite surrendering only the two unearned runs over 4 2/3 innings.

Nelson Cruz homered for American League West-leading Texas.