"He did what he's been doing a lot for us lately, giving us six innings and keeping us in the game," Royals manager Ned Yost said.
The Indians have a 6 1/2-game lead over the Royals in the American League Central and a five-game lead over the Twins. The Royals remain 1 1/2 games back in the AL Wild Card chase.
"Every one of these games, it's a two-game swing," Yost said. "Best-case scenario was the sweep and you pick up three games and you're 2 1/2 out. Worst-case scenario is you get swept and you're 8 1/2 out.