More important for the American League Central-leading Indians was that the victory trimmed their magic number to four to clinch their first division championship since 2007. Alcides Escobar belted a two-run homer for Kansas City, but it was not enough for the Royals, whose elimination number in the AL Wild Card race is down to five, pending the Orioles-Red Sox outcome.
Royals lefty Jason Vargas, making his second start coming back from Tommy John rehab, was charged with two runs in his four innings of work, while righty Dillon Gee allowed three in 2 2/3 innings of relief.