Chen Leads Royals to Win Over Rays

Associated Press - Wed 06:25 AM 06/27/2012

Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Bruce Chen throws during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - Bruce Chen went seven innings in another workmanlike start, Jeff Francoeur and Yuniesky Betancourt both went deep and the Kansas City Royals beat the Tampa Bay Rays 8-2 on Tuesday night.

Betancourt hit a two-run shot during a four-run third inning against Chris Archer (0-2), and Francoeur added a three-run homer during a four-run eighth to give Kansas City some breathing room.

Alex Gordon and Billy Butler also drove in runs to pace a Royals offense that was outscored by St. Louis 30-14 over the weekend, but has trumped Tampa Bay 16-2 so far this series.

The Royals will go for the sweep on Wednesday afternoon.

Chen (7-6) gave up a run in the first and Brooks Conrad's solo shot in the second to win for the seventh time in his last nine decisions.

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