Red Sox Beat Royals 3-1 as Willson Contreras Hits 10th HR

Willson Contreras hit his team-leading 10th home run and Sonny Gray delivered a strong start as the Boston Red Sox defeated the Kansas City Royals 3-1 on Monday night. The game’s start time was moved up 30 minutes due to a forecast of heavy thunderstorms.

Gray, who improved his record to 5-1, allowed one run on five hits over six-plus innings. He struck out nine batters and walked one. Since returning from the injured list on May 6, the right-hander has surrendered just two runs over 16 innings, compiling a 1.13 ERA. Three relievers followed Gray, with Aroldis Chapman closing the ninth inning for his 11th save in as many opportunities.

Royals starter Seth Lugo fell to 1-4, allowing two runs on five hits across six innings. Kansas City has now lost seven of its last eight games.

The Royals threatened in the fifth inning with back-to-back hits off Gray. Michael Massey lined a double that deflected off the glove of left fielder Masataka Yoshida, and Kyle Isbel followed with a single into left field. Yoshida recovered to throw out Massey at home plate, preserving the scoreless tie.

Boston broke through in the sixth inning. After a bloop single by Mickey Gasper, Contreras hit a...