Pinch-hitter Brandon Guyer singled in a run with two outs in the ninth inning, helping the Cleveland Indians move closer to an AL Central title with a 2-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night.
Guyer’s hit off Joakim Soria landed just fair in the right-field corner and scored Coco Crisp. Guyer was the third pinch-hitter of the inning used by manager Terry Francona.
Cleveland led Detroit by seven games in the division entering Tuesday.
Brian Flynn (1-2) walked Jose Ramirez to start the ninth, and then fumbled a bunt by Crisp, batting for Lonnie Chisenhall, down the first-base line for an error. A few batters later, Guyer delivered the winner.
Andrew Miller (9-1) struck out three during 1 2/3 scoreless innings.
The Royals, the reigning World Series champions, can be eliminated from contention in the division if they lose to Cleveland on Wednesday night.
