KANSAS CITY, Mo. _ The Royals dug a sizable hole early in Tuesday night's game, but on Wednesday night the Cleveland Indians grabbed a modest early lead and then added a late cushion.
The Royals dropped the rubber match of their series 5-0 at Kauffman Stadium with the Indians tacking on three ninth-inning runs to make the chances of a late rally more unlikely.
Indians outfielder Tyler Naquin enjoyed the second two-home run night of his career. Both have taken place in Kansas City.
The Royals (14-23) were held to four runs in the three-game series, including a 2-1 win in the series opener.
On a night when the Royals' offense was blanked and star catcher Salvador Perez remained on the injured list with a left eye issue _ he's now missed the past 12 games _ designated hitter Jorge Soler left the game due to right side oblique irritation and mid-back tightness. Ryan O'Hearn pinch-hit for Soler in the seventh inning.
Royals starting pitcher Jakob Junis also left the game prematurely after getting hit with a ball batted back up the middle in the fourth inning.
Junis threw 46 pitches (32 strikes) and allowed two runs, which both came on a two-run home run by Naquin, and allowed four hits. The Royals trailed 2-0 when Junis came out of the game.
