Indians rout limping Royals

Associated Press

CLEVELAND

Jose Ramirez has served as the Indians’ super utilityman this season.

On Friday night he played a lead role in Cleveland’s fourth straight win, a 7-1 victory over the reeling Kansas City Royals.

Ramirez got three hits and drove in a career-high five runs as the Indians sent the World Series champion Royals to their eighth loss in 10 games.

Indians manager Terry Francona went into the season with the idea of finding as much playing time off the bench as possible for Ramirez. The switch-hitter made his seventh start at third base and has started nine times in left field.

“It’s worked out kind of like we mapped it out,” Francona said. “You want to find places for him to play so he can help you win.”

Ramirez, who batted ninth Friday, has hit in seven different spots in the lineup. He delivered a bases-loaded double in the third and a two-run double in the fifth. He singled in the second, walked in the eighth and raised his batting average to .324.

Ramirez, with winning pitcher Danny Salazar serving as a translator, said, “I feel like every time I go to home plate I have a purpose. I’m grateful to Tito for believing in me and giving me the opportunity.”

Salazar (3-2) held the Royals to four hits and struck out nine in 7 2/3 innings.

Yordano Ventura (2-2) allowed five runs and threw 97 pitches in four innings. The right-hander walked five, increasing his AL-leading total to 25.

Salazar faced the minimum until walking Alex Gordon with one out in the fifth. Lorenzo Cain, the game’s second batter, beat out a ground ball up the middle, but was caught off first by Salazar’s throw with Kendrys Morales batting to end the inning.