Springer powers Blue Jays past Royals 5-1

George Springer drove in four runs on three hits, including two home runs, to power the Toronto Blue Jays past the Kansas City Royals 5-1 on Saturday.

TORONTO – George Springer drove in four runs on three hits, including two home runs, to power the Toronto Blue Jays past the Kansas City Royals 5-1 on Saturday.

Cavan Biggio added an RBI single as Toronto (79-63) opened a critical 10-game homestand with back-to-back wins.

Kevin Gausman (11-8) was superb for the Blue Jays, striking out 10 and giving up one run on just two hits over eight innings. Jordan Hicks pitched the ninth.

Edward Olivares belted his 10th home run of the season for lowly Kansas City (44-99).

James McArthur pitched the first two innings of the game before giving way to 2009 Cy Young winner Zack Greinke (1-15), who gave up four runs on six hits and a walk, while striking out four over 3 2/3 innings. Angel Zerpa and Steven Cruz came on in relief.

The Blue Jays entered the game with a 1 1/2 game lead over the Texas Rangers for the third and final American League wild-card berth. Texas hosted the Oakland Athletics on Saturday night.

Toronto manager John Schneider said he’s checking in on the AL standings, once his job is done for the day.

“You’re interested and you’re curious, but we have to just worry about us,” Schneider said in his office before Saturday’s matinee. “You’re worried about what you’re doing that day, that night, and then look at whatever happened around the league after that.”