KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — MJ Melendez homered and drove in three runs, James McArthur struck out three straight batters to end an eighth-inning threat, and the Royals held on to beat the Guardians 7-6 on Tuesday night. 

Kansas City has won five of its last six and ended a five-series losing streak to the Guardians. The club will go for the sweep of its AL Central rivals Wednesday. Alec Marsh earned the win for the Royals after following opener Steven Cruz to the mound. 

Logan Allen took the loss for Cleveland, allowing four runs on eight hits and two walks in just three innings.

The Royals take on the Guardians again Wednesday afternoon with first pitch at 1:10 on KFEQ in St. Joseph.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695179662933.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Kyle Isbel, right, beats the tag by Cleveland Guardians shortstop Gabriel Arias after hitting a double during the third inning of a baseball game Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Kyle Isbel, right, beats the tag by Cleveland Guardians shortstop Gabriel Arias after hitting a double during the third inning of a baseball game Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — MJ Melendez homered and drove in three runs, James McArthur struck out three straight batters to end an eighth-inning threat, and the Royals held on to beat the Guardians 7-6 on Tuesday night. Kansas City has won five of its last six and ended a five-series losing streak to the Guardians. The club will go for the sweep of its AL Central rivals Wednesday. Alec Marsh earned the win for the Royals after following opener Steven Cruz to the mound. Logan Allen took the loss for Cleveland, allowing four runs on eight hits and two walks in just three innings.The Royals take on the Guardians again Wednesday afternoon with first pitch at 1:10 on KFEQ in St. Joseph.

Melendez homers, McArthur stars in relief as Royals hold off Guardians 7-6