SEATTLE (AP) — Felipe Paulino struck out 11 and allowed two hits in seven innings, and Eric Hosmer his a two-run homer in the first to lead the Kansas City Royals a 4-2 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Saturday night.
Paulino (3-10) gave up homers to Justin Smoak and Mike Carp, but he tamed the rest of the Mariners. He tied his career high in strikeouts and walked none.
The Royals scored three runs in the first inning, highlighted by Hosmer’s 17th homer. Jeff Francoeur added a ninth-inning solo shot, his 18th homer this season.
Joakim Soria pitched the ninth for his 27th save in 34 opportunities. The two hits allowed were a season low for the Royals.
Michael Pineda (9-10), who worked a career-high eight innings, took the loss. He allowing three runs, all in the first inning, and five hits. He struck out eight and walked one.
