KANSAS CITY (AP) — Shane Bieber pitched eight sharp innings, José Ramírez drove in two runs and the AL Central-leading Cleveland Guardians beat the Kansas City Royals 4-1 Tuesday night.
Bieber (9-8) allowed one run and four hits. He struck out seven and walked one.
In his last eight starts, Bieber has 1.79 ERA (11 runs in 55 1/3 innings). He is now 5-0 in his career against the Royals.
The Guardians moved within 1 1/2 games of Minnesota, which was rained out and will play a doubleheader Wednesday at the New York Yankees.
The Royals lost their 82nd game, meaning they’ll have a losing record for the sixth straight season.
Salvador Perez hit his 20th home run for Kansas City, the sixth year he’s reached the mark.