Luke Hochevar pitched eight strong innings on Wednesday, leading the Kansas City Royals to a 5-2 victory over the Texas Rangers in the two-game series finale.

After going the distance in his previous outing, Hochevar (5-2) was just as sharp in allowing two runs on six hits with no walks and four strikeouts.

It was quite a turnaround from his last start against the Rangers on May 9 when the right-hander lasted only 2 2/3 innings.

Kansas City closer Joakim Soria picked up his 11th save of the season with a scoreless ninth.

With the game tied at 2-2, Kansas City scored a pair of go-ahead runs in the sixth inning. Billy Butler had a solo home run and Willie Bloomquist added a sacrifice fly. Bloomquist cushioned the Royals lead with an RBI double in the eighth.

Texas starter Scott Feldman (2-5) took the loss after allowing four runs on seven hits over 6 2/3 innings.

Michael Young and Justin Smoak drove in runs for the Rangers, who have dropped three of four following a five-game winning streak.