Royals 5, Indians 2: Lorenzo Cain and Alex Gordon had RBI doubles and Luis Mendoza tossed 7 1/3 solid innings as host Kansas City handed slumping Cleveland its fifth straight setback.

No. 9 hitter Jarrod Dyson followed his three-hit performance in the series opener with two more on Wednesday. Dyson had an RBI single in the second inning and Alcides Escobar scored twice for the Royals, who have won two in a row following a five-game losing skid. The Indians have dropped 10 of their last 13.

After scratching for a pair of first-inning runs thanks to a successful double steal - which was aided by Carlos Santana's throwing error - and Billy Butler's RBI groundout, Kansas City doubled its advantage in the second.

Dyson collected just his eighth RBI of the season after driving in Chris Getz. Dyson came home after Gordon deposited an offering from Zach McAllister (4-3) in left-center field for his major league-leading 37th double.

Mendoza (5-7) made the most of the early offense by handcuffing the Indians. The right-hander allowed Santana's 10th homer in the fourth inning before being charged with Asdrubal Cabrera's RBI single off Jose Mijares in the eighth.

Greg Holland, who assumed the closer's role after Jonathan Broxton was traded to Cincinnati on Tuesday, retired the side in order in the ninth inning for his first save this season and fifth career.

GAME NOTEBOOK: The Indians designated veteran RHP Derek Lowe for assignment and recalled RHP Corey Kluber from Triple-A Columbus to make his first major league start on Thursday. Lowe, 39, won six of his first seven decisions this year but has lost four straight starts and is 1-7 in his last 10 outings. ... The Indians placed DH Travis Hafner on the paternity list and recalled utility player Vinny Rottino from Columbus. ... Gordon had a career-high 45 doubles last season. ... Kansas City recalled reliever Jeremy Jeffress from Triple-A Omaha with the available roster spot following Broxton's departure.