Whit Merrifield hit his first career homer, Edinson Volquez tossed seven innings of two-hit ball and the Kansas City Royals beat Cleveland 2-1 on Monday night to end a five-game skid against the Indians.

Alcides Esocbar also drove in a run for the Royals, who have won three in a row after an eight-game losing streak. They also won their seventh consecutive game at Kauffman Stadium.

Volquez (6-6) walked the bases loaded in the first inning before settling down, allowing only a double to Jason Kipnis and a single to Lonnie Chisenhall. Volquez also hit a batter with a pitch and worked around an error, but ultimately kept the Indians from pushing a run across.