Kansas City and Boston played a rare afternoon game on Monday to end their four-game series. The Red Sox took the series, as they beat the Royals, 5-1.

Both teams scored single runs in the first inning. The Royals scored their run without a hit. Jarrod Dyson walked, stole second base, and moved to third on an error. He scored on a sac fly. After a great catch by Dyson in centerfield for the second out, Jacoby Ellsbury hit a solo homerun to tie the game at 1-1.

The Royals had runners on base in every inning, but the second, against Red Sox starter Daisuke Matsuzaka. When Dice-K exited, the Royals put together back-to-back singles with one out against Clayton Mortensen, which prompted a pitching change. Vicente Padilla entered and induced an inning-ending double play from Salvador Perez.

The Royals went down quietly in the 9th inning against Andrew Bailey.

Meanwhile, Luke Hochevar wasn’t as great as he was in his last start in Tampa, but he gave them eight innings (a complete game). He allowed two doubles and a homerun among his eight hits allowed. It could have been worse for him, but Dyson made the nice grab and Alex Gordon picked up an outfield assist in Boston’s two-run 3rd inning. Even Johnny Giavotella made a nice play at second base (he also went 2-for-3 at the plate).

*Before the game, reliever Jeremy Jeffress was sent to Double-A NW Arkansas. Vin Mazzaro was promoted to the big leagues to take his place.

**Now the Royals will return home to face the Detroit Tigers, who are already in KC awaiting them. Oh and Justin Verlander is waiting to start the first game on Tuesday.