Harvey snaps skid, pitches Orioles past Royals

Ryan McKenna of the Orioles beats the tag attempt by Royals catcher Cam Gallagher during the sixth inning of Sunday afternoon's game at Kauffman Stadium.
Ryan McKenna of the Orioles beats the tag attempt by Royals catcher Cam Gallagher during the sixth inning of Sunday afternoon's game at Kauffman Stadium.

KANSAS CITY (AP) - Matt Harvey ended his nine-game losing skid with his best performance in years, pitching six crisp innings Sunday to send the Baltimore Orioles past the Kansas City Royals 5-0.

Harvey (4-10) had been winless in 12 starts since his previous victory May 1. The former All-Star allowed just three singles, walked one and struck out two against his former team.

"I went out there and tried to flip the switch on a poor first half," Harvey said. "Having those days off to recharge definitely helps."

Harvey's six innings matched his season high. This was the first time since September 2018 that Harvey pitched at least six innings and didn't allow a run.

"He's been pitching with some nagging things, but he was really good today," Baltimore manager Brandon Hyde said. "I was happy with how everyone pitched today."

Carlos Hernandez (1-1) allowed two runs on two hits and two walks in four innings in his second career start. Kyle Zimmer, Josh Staumont and Greg Holland each allowed a run in relief.

Ramon Urias hit a two-run single in the third for a 2-0 lead. He has at least two hits in seven of his last 10 games.

Trey Mancini had an RBI single in the fifth, Austin Wynns doubled home a run in the sixth and another scored on an error in the eighth.

Hunter Dozier tied a career high with four hits for the Royals. He went 7-for-12 in the series.

"Every game we don't take advantage of, it hurts the same," Royals manager Mike Matheny said. "I know the kind of team we have and we need better results."

Notes: The Royals will begin a two-game set Tuesday with the Milwaukee Brewers. That game was set to start at 7:10 p.m., but was moved up to 3:10 p.m. due to Game 6 of the NBA Finals involving the Milwaukee Bucks that night. Hyde said he hopes 3B Maikel Franco (ankle sprain) will be back soon. Franco will begin his rehab stint this week. The Orioles continue their road trip tonight in Tampa Bay as Spenser Watkins (1-0, 1.74) starts. The Royals have an off day before facing Milwaukee on Tuesday with Mike Minor (6-8, 5.67) on the mound.