CLEVELAND, Sept. 18 (UPI) -- Jose Lima combined with two relievers on a six-hitter Thursday night as Kansas City posted a 3-2 victory over Cleveland.
In his first start since Aug. 23, Lima (8-1) allowed two runs and six singles in five innings. The Royals improved to 10-2 in his 12 starts.
After Lima threw 68 pitches, lefthander Jeremy Affeldt struck out four in three scoreless innings. Curtis Leskanic worked the ninth and recorded his second save in three opportunities.
The Royals need to win three of their remaining 10 games to clinch their first winning non-strike season since 1993.
Coming off Wednesday's 9-1 loss, Kansas City scored two runs in the top of the third to take the lead for good. Rookie Angel Berroa's sacrifice fly made it 2-1 and Raul Ibanez's infield single gave the Royals a two-run lead.
