Royals batter Indians, keep Kluber winless

Less than a month into the season, and reigning AL Cy Young winner Corey Kluber is already pitching his way into the record books. This time, however, it's for all the wrong reasons.

The Kansas City Royals pounced on Kluber early and often Monday, battering the right-hander for six runs - four earned - on 10 hits to beat the Cleveland Indians 6-2 in Monday's series opener. It marked the third time in history a team has lost its first five games started by the defending Cy Young winner.

Kluber (0-3) struck out five and walked two over his 6 1/3 innings of work. He's allowed 23 hits and 12 total runs over his last 12 1/3 innings.

Kluber edged Felix Hernandez last year for the award after leading the league with 18 wins and setting career highs in strikeouts (269) and innings pitched (235 2/3). His 7.2 wins above replacement was tops among AL starters.

Despite his inability to pitch his way into the win column, Kluber's first-month struggles have been quite similar to his 2014 April results.

"He's about where he was last year at this time," manager Terry Francona told Jordan Bastian of MLB.com. "I do think with Klubes, we've seen it, when he gets on a roll, he'll be better. He'll finish off some of those hitters that maybe right now he's not."

Cleveland's ace did, however, enjoy a bit of positive history Monday. He became the second-fastest Indians pitcher to strike out 500 batters by accomplishing the feat in 80 games.

Kluber, who signed a five-year, $38.5-million extension this winter, will get a chance to end his winless streak Saturday against the Toronto Blue Jays.