Kansas City, MO (SportsNetwork.com) - Mike Moustakas' three-run double in the second inning proved to be the difference in the Kansas City Royals' 3-2 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday.
Jason Vargas (4-1) allowed two runs on five hits with eight strikeouts over 6 2/3 innings for the Royals, who swept this brief two-game series. Greg Holland stranded runners on first and third in the ninth to pick up his 10th save of the season.
"It's a big game for us against a great team. Feels good to go out there and get a W with the quality start that Vargas had," said Moustakas.
Drew Stubbs hit a two-run homer for the Rockies, who have lost five of six. Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, who is hitting .391 this season, was ejected by home plate umpire Dan Bellino in the fourth inning after arguing about a called third strike.
Colorado starter Jhoulys Chacin (0-2) gave up three runs on seven hits over six innings.
"We've hit a little bump in the road here offensively," said Rockies manager Walt Weiss. "We have to go back home and get it going again."
The Royals gave Vargas all the support he would need in the second inning. Salvador Perez, Johnny Giavotella and Lorenzo Cain singled to load the bases with one out. Moustakas then cleared the bases with a double to right.
The Rockies failed to score after putting men on first and third with one out in the sixth. DJ LeMahieu struck out swinging and Charlie Culberson was picked off at third to end the threat.
Colorado finally got to Vargas in the seventh. Nolan Arenado hit a one-out double to shallow right field and scored on Stubbs' homer to left.
Kelvin Herrera worked a perfect eighth and Holland survived a shaky ninth.
Game Notes
Vargas improved to 2-2 lifetime versus Colorado ... The Rockies start a three- game set against San Diego on Friday, while Kansas City begins a four-game series against Baltimore on Thursday.
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