Moreland, Hamels lead Rangers in 3-2 win over Royals

Hamels (12-2) allowed two runs and six hits in eight innings, matching his longest start of the season, to help the Texas Rangers beat the Kansas City Royals 3-2 Thursday night.

Pitching: A.J. Griffin held the Royals scoreless for 5 2/3 innings before Eric Hosmer’s two-run homer cut the Rangers’ lead to 5-2.

The Rangers managed only four hits off Yordano Ventura, but three of those hits went over the wall. “He’s like, ‘Let’s go, “‘ Chirinos said. So, if I had to pick, you can give me the over. Hamels’ 123 pitches on Thursday night were 10 more than his previous high for the year.

In official terms, Ventura recorded the Royals’ first complete game of the season and the first of his career.

The Royals came to Texas to open a four-game weekend series on the heels of a 7-5 home win over the Los Angeles Angels that snapped a four-game losing streak.

Ventura thinks he can build off his outing.

“Even though we’re not on the same team, I have a good friendship with him”, Ventura said through the translator.

Both homers by the left-handed hitting Moreland were to the opposite field.

The Royals made things interesting in the ninth. “You’ve got to get some run production”.

The home run ball continues to be an epic problem for the entire Kansas City pitching staff.

“I hate that the result was what it was, but I thought he pitched a great game”, Yost said.

Cole Hamels provided another reminder of what an ace means to a beleaguered starting rotation.

Alex Gordon is emerging from a slump by going 4-for-8 over his last two games and is a robust 6-for-7 with a homer against scheduled Rangers starter A.J. Griffin.TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FSN Kansas City, FSN Southwest (Texas)PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Edinson Volquez (8-8, 4.56 ERA) vs. Rangers RH A.J. Griffin (3-1, 4.06)Volquez is making his second straight start against Texas amid speculation that the Rangers are interested in acquiring his services. He had a season-high 10 total bases on two homers and a double.

Neither team had a hit with runners in scoring position.

“He’s our front-end guy”, Texas manager Jeff Banister said. It was his ballgame. It would last just a half-inning.

Jeurys Familia, Mets: Blowing a save chance and ruining Jacob deGrom’s shot at a win, Familia allowed two runs on two hits and two walks in a loss to the Rockies.

The Texas Rangers look for consistency after splitting their last eight games. Texas LHP Lucas Harrell, who was acquired along with Alvarez as part of the trade with the Braves, will report to the Rangers on Friday…. RHP Kyle Lohse, who was designated for assignment by Texas on Tuesday, declined an outright assignment and is now a free agent…. With his two-hit performance Wednesday against the Los Angeles Angels, 2B Raul Mondesi Jr. became the first Royal to collect his first major league hit on his birthday in club history.

Royals: RHP Luke Hochevar was placed on the 15-day disabled list with symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome. Royals C Salvador Perez (head cold) was a late scratch in the opener.2.