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Indians try to nail down series win against Royals

Apr 24, 2014 - 12:59 PM (SportsNetwork.com) - The Cleveland Indians try to get to .500 and go after a series win on Thursday when they wrap up a four-game set with the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field.

The Indians moved to 10-11 in Wednesday night's third game, as Jason Kipnis doubled in the go-ahead run in the seventh inning and Cleveland held off Kansas City, 5-3.

Michael Bourn had three hits, including a two-run triple, and drove in two runs, and pinch-hitter Lonnie Chisenhall provided some insurance with an eighth-inning RBI single.

Cleveland, which bounced back from an 8-2 loss Tuesday, totaled 11 hits.

Salvador Perez and Mike Moustakas homered for the Royals, who lost for the third time in four tries following a five-game win streak.

Kansas City starter Jason Vargas allowed six hits and three runs -- two earned in six innings, while Cleveland's Justin Masterson allowed eight hits and three runs -- two earned -- over 6 1/3 innings.

Getting the call for the Indians in the finale is right-hander Corey Kluber, who's not yet found the success in 2014 that saw him go unbeaten in his final 12 starts last season.

Kluber, in fact, has allowed opposing batters to hit him at a .337 clip thus far, while his earned run average has spiked to an unsightly 5.40.

He gave up four runs on nine hits in 6 2/3 innings while dropping a 5-0 verdict to Toronto on Saturday.

Kluber was 2-0 with a 3.28 ERA in four starts against the Royals last season.

He's opposed by Kansas City lefty Bruce Chen, who picked up a win over Minnesota in his last start on Saturday after surrendering eight hits and four runs in five innings.

The Royals won the game, 5-4.

Chen has allowed 10 runs in his last 8 2/3 innings of work.

He won his lone decision in two starts and three bullpen turns against Cleveland last season while posting a superb 1.04 ERA.

Cleveland was 10-9 against the Royals last season.