Indians 3, Royals 0: Corey Kluber struck out eight in 7 2/3 scoreless innings to lift host Cleveland in the opener of the three-game series.

Kluber (7-5) allowed three hits, walked three and escaped a one-out, bases-loaded jam in the fifth inning to win for the first time in four starts. Joe Smith got the final out in the eighth but Cody Allen loaded the bases in the ninth before striking out Jarrod Dyson for his second save.

Michael Bourn delivered a pinch-hit, two-run double and Carlos Santana had two hits and an RBI single as the Indians remained 2 1/2 games behind first-place Detroit in the American League Central.

Kansas City wasted a brilliant performance from left-hander Bruce Chen, who permitted one hit in six scoreless innings in his first start of the season. After Chen exited, Cleveland opened the seventh with five straight hits against relievers Tim Collins (2-4) and Aaron Crow.

Santana's single off Crow broke the scoreless deadlock before Mark Reynolds dropped a bunt single to reload the bases for Bourn, who lined a low fastball to the gap in right-center to plate two more runs for a 3-0 edge.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Indians RHP Danny Salazar, who won his major-league debut versus Toronto on Thursday, was optioned to Triple-A Columbus and RHP Chen-Chang Lee was called up. ... Royals SS Alcides Escobar was dropped from second to seventh in the batting order and went 1-for-4. ... Indians RHP Zach McAllister (finger) will make his first rehab start Saturday at Double-A Akron and will pitch again next week at a site to be determined. He has been on the 15-day disabled list since June 3.