Royals fall 8-5 to Indians

CLEVELAND (AP) - Sandy Alomar Jr. won his first game as Indians manager as Jason Kipnis drove in three runs and Cleveland beat Kansas City 8-5 on Friday night, handing the Royals their sixth straight loss.

Alomar, one of the most popular players in franchise history, went from bench coach to interim manager when Manny Acta was fired Thursday.

David Huff (3-0) gave up three runs over six innings as Cleveland got its first three-game winning streak since July 3-5. Chris Perez closed Cleveland's fourth win in five games for his 39th save in 43 chances.

Cleveland had 16 hits, including a string of five straight with one out to score three runs off Will Smith (6-9) in the second inning.

Cleveland was 31⁄2 games out of first place in the AL Central on July 26, but its playoff hopes quickly evaporated as the team lost 11 straight and 28-of-33. That led to Acta's demise.

Alomar said in his first pregame meeting with the media as manager he doesn't intend any drastic moves over the final six games. The former All-Star catcher said the Indians have the talent to contend, but players must stay focused.

Lonnie Chisenhall, Cord Phelps and Ezequiel Carrera all had three hits for Cleveland. The Indians totaled 16 hits, including five straight with one out to score three runs off Will Smith (6-9) in the second inning.