KANSAS CITY, Mo., June 9 (UPI) -- Luke Hochevar protected an early lead in a seven-inning performance Thursday and won for the first time since May 1 in Kansas City's 3-2 victory over Toronto.
Jeff Francoeur had a two-run single during a three-run third and the Royals held on from there for just their second victory in eight games.
Hochevar (4-6) gave up two runs on six hits, walking three and striking out three. Toronto put the potential tying run on second with one out in the ninth and eventually loaded the bases, but Joakim Soria worked out of the jam for his eighth save.
J.P. Arencibia drove in both Toronto runs with a fourth-inning triple.
Ricky Romero (5-6) threw the fifth complete game of his career for the Blue Jays, but took the loss after giving up three runs on eight hits.
