Hellickson sharp as Rays top KC

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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Jeremy Hellickson pitched seven strong innings for his first home win in three months and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Kansas City Royals 5-1 on Monday night.

Hellickson (8-8) allowed one run and six hits in ending a stretch of seven consecutive home winless starts, dating back to a 2-1 victory over Boston on May 16.

Tampa Bay was coming off an 8-2 road trip that concluded with a four-game sweep over the Los Angeles Angels.

The Rays went ahead 4-1 in the fourth on Jose Labaton’s RBI single and a run-scoring double from Desmond Jennings off Will Smith (4-5).

Rangers 5, Orioles 1

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Ryan Dempster pitched eight innings, his longest outing in more than two months and his best since being traded to Texas, and the AL West-leading Rangers beat the surprising Baltimore Orioles 5-1 on Monday night.

Dempster (2-1 in Texas, 7-6 overall) retired the last 11 batters he faced. The right-hander acquired from the Chicago Cubs on July 31 allowed one run and four hits.

David Murphy had two RBI singles for the Rangers, who opened a 10-game homestand. All nine Texas starters had a hit.

Miguel Gonzalez (5-3), who had won his previous three decisions, gave up four runs in five innings.

The Orioles have still won 11 of their last 16 games.

Joe Nathan struck out the side in the ninth.