Kansas City 6, Baltimore 2

Billy Butler had four RBIs, including a three-run homer that broke the game open in the seventh inning, as the Kansas City Royals defeated the visiting Baltimore Orioles 6-2 on Wednesday.
 
Butler belted his 13th home run off Jeremy Guthrie (5-15) to straight-away center field on a 3-0 pitch to give the Royals a four-run lead. Butler, who also had a sacrifice fly in the first, has six homers and 17 RBIs in his last nine games.
 
Luke Hochevar (8-8) allowed four hits and two runs - one earned - over 7 1/3 innings to win his fourth straight decision. Hochevar, who came into the game 0-4 against Baltimore in his career, struck out a season-high seven and retired 16 in a row at one point.

Greg Holland got the final five outs - two with the bases loaded in the eighth - to earn his first career save. He struck out three.
 
Kansas City catcher Manuel Pina doubled and singled in his major-league debut.

Alex Gordon had three hits and scored twice, and Alcides Escobar added three hits, including a two-run triple in the second for the Royals.
 
Vladimir Guerrero singled in a run in the first and J.J. Hardy’s sacrifice fly brought the Orioles within 3-2 in the third.

• Kansas City will play their next game at home against Baltimore. The Royals have a W/L % of .447 after a win and .413 after a loss.
• Baltimore will play their next game on the road against Kansas City. The Orioles have a W/L % of .465 after a win and .359 after a loss.