Baltimore Orioles defeat Kansas City Royals 2-1

Nelson Cruz hit a two-run homer in the fourth inning to lift the Baltimore Orioles over the Kansas City Royals, 2-1, in the opener of a four-game series.

Wei-Yin Chen (5-2) gave up one run on seven hits over 5 1/3 innings to pick up the win for the Orioles, who snapped a four-game skid.

Danny Valencia knocked in the lone run for the Royals, who had a three-game winning streak snapped. Yordano Ventura (2-3) allowed two runs on seven hits while striking out nine over 6 1/3 innings.

[SportsNetwork.com]