Royals 2, Rangers 1: Alcides Escobar drew a bases-loaded walk with two outs in the eighth inning as Kansas City edged visiting Texas.

Lorenzo Cain and Mike Moustakas delivered two-out singles against Jason Frasor (4-3), who walked David Lough to load the bases. Neftali Feliz entered and threw four consecutive balls to Escobar, forcing in Cain with the go-ahead run. The Royals trail Cleveland by 2 1/2 games for the second American League wild-card spot.

Luke Hochevar (5-2) retired both batters he faced in the eighth and Greg Holland struck out two in the ninth for his 44th save in 47 opportunities. Texas lost for the 12th time in 15 games and slipped one-half game behind the Indians in the wild-card chase.

Texas struck first on A.J. Pierzynski’s run-scoring double off the center-field wall in the second inning. The Royals forged a tie in the bottom of the frame on Justin Maxwell’s RBI double.

Kansas City’s Ervin Santana allowed one run and five hits in 7 1/3 innings. Rangers starter Martin Perez allowed one run and seven hits in 5 2/3 frames.

GAME NOTEBOOK: The Royals have won eight of their last 12 games. … Rangers SS Elvis Andrus went 0-for-4 after registering three consecutive multi-hit performances. … Holland has struck out 98 batters in 63 2/3 innings.