KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — James Paxton pitched six solid innings, Masataka Yoshida tied his career high with four of Boston’s 18 hits and the Red Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 9-5 on Monday night.
Boston, which has won four their last five, now trails the Royals by 1 1/2 games for the final American League wild card spot.
Paxton (9-3) allowed two runs on five hits to pick up his first win since being traded to the Red Sox by the Dodgers.
Brady Singer (8-7) allowed four runs on 10 hits in 5 2/3 innings.