After posting a 1.85 ERA over his first five starts, Indians pitcher Justin Masterson did not have the same success in Game 1 of Sunday's doubleheader against the Royals. He allowed seven runs on nine hits over 6 1/3 innings in the 9-0 loss.

The right-hander was tagged with a two-spot in the second before Kansas City pushed across a run in both the fourth and fifth. Then in the seventh, Masterson gave up two runs before being pulled for Matt Albers, who allowed an inherited runner to score.

The 28-year-old also struck out nine and walked four while taking his second loss. His ERA rose to 3.12 on the outing.

Masterson is scheduled to pitch next on Sunday against the Twins. He went 1-3 with a 6.75 ERA in four starts against Minnesota last season.