Luke Hochevar allowed three hits and struck out a season-high eight in eight innings as the Kansas City Royals defeated the visiting Cleveland Indians 5-1 on Saturday night.

The loss dropped Cleveland 6 1/2 games behind first-place Detroit in the American League Central.

Jeff Francoeur's two-run double gave Kansas City the lead for good in the second and Johnny Giavotella hit a solo home run in the sixth.

The outing was the longest for Hochevar (10-10) since May 19, when he pitched 8 2/3 innings against Texas.

Indians starter David Huff (2-3) allowed five runs in six innings.

Cleveland shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera missed the game after fouling a ball off his left knee Friday.

Hochevar allowed an unearned run in the first, thanks to his own throwing error. Ezequiel Carrera singled and took third on Hochevar's wild pickoff throw to first.

Carlos Santana's sacrifice fly scored Carrera, but Hochevar then dominated Cleveland's injury-ravaged lineup, which included five players who have spent time in the minor leagues this season.

Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar also missed the game with a sprained left ankle.