Royals Shuts Out Blue Jays to Open ALCS

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Edinson Volquez and the Kansas City Royals have taken the opener of the American League Championship Series.

Volquez combined with three relievers on a three-hitter as the Royals downed the Blue Jays 5-0 in Kansas City. Volquez issued four walks but allowed just two hits in six innings to help the Royals earn their eighth straight ALCS victory dating to Game 5 of the 1985 series against the Blue Jays.

Kansas City scored twice in the third to break a scoreless deadlock as Alcides (al-SEE'-dehs) Escobar hit an RBI double and scored on Lorenzo Cain's single. Salvador Perez added a solo homer in the fourth off Jays starter Marco Estrada, who allowed six hits while striking out six in 5 1/3 innings.

The Royals tacked on two more insurance runs in the eighth off LaTroy Hawkins. Eric Hosmer hit an RBI double and Kendrys (KEHN'-drees) Morales followed with a sacrifice fly.

Game 2 of the series in Saturday afternoon at Kaufmann Stadium. David Price will start for the Blue Jays against Yordano Ventura.