KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) – Wandy Rodriguez pitched seven strong innings and the Texas Rangers defeated the Kansas City Royals 4-2 Saturday for their seventh win in eight games.

Texas has won six straight series for the first time since 2012. The AL champion Royals have lost nine of 11.

Rodriguez (3-2), a 36-year-old lefty who signed with the Rangers in early April after Atlanta released him in spring training, gave up one run and six hits. He walked none and struck out four.

Yordano Ventura (3-5) continued to struggle early, allowing four runs in the first two innings.