TORONTO - Darwin Barney hit a two-run homer and Marcus Stroman turned in a strong seven-inning performance as the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Kansas City Royals 5-2 on Tuesday night.
Ryan Goins led off the sixth inning with a single before Barney turned on an 0-2 pitch from Ian Kennedy for his fifth homer of the year.
Russell Martin drove in a pair of runs and scored in Toronto's three-run seventh inning to help the Blue Jays (71-80) take the opener of the three-game series. Roberto Osuna worked the ninth for his 37th save.
Stroman (12-8) set a career high for victories in a season. He allowed four hits, one earned run and two walks while striking out five.
Royals starter Ian Kennedy (4-12) allowed just one hit - a Justin Smoak double - over the first five innings.
Goins squeaked a ball through the infield in the sixth and the Barney blast ended the right-hander's night. Kennedy allowed three hits, two earned runs and struck out a pair.
