Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Ian Kennedy pitched six strong innings and Xavier Nady hit an RBI double, helping the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the Kansas City Royals 3-2 Wednesday night.

Kennedy (8-2) allowed one run on eight hits, while striking out four and walking two to lower his ERA to 2.90. In his past 13 starts, he is 7-1 with a 2.16 ERA.

The NL West-leading Diamondbacks scored three runs on four hits in the fifth against Jeff Francis (3-8). Nady’s double down the left-field line scored Wily Mo Pena with the first run.

Willie Bloomquist, who played last year for the Royals, singled home Miguel Montero with the second run. Ryan Roberts’ sacrifice bunt scored Nady with the final run.

The Royals scored off Kennedy in the third inning when Chris Getz and Melky Cabrera singled. Getz came home when Eric Hosmer grounded into a double play.

Hosmer’s triple in the seventh off Micah Owings scored Getz, who had three hits.

J.J. Putz, who blew a lead in his previous opportunity, worked a scoreless ninth to pick up his 19th save in 22 opportunities. Getz had an infield single with two out in the ninth and stole second and third. After Putz walked Cabrera, he retired Hosmer on a popup.

The Royals outhit the Diamondbacks 11-5, but grounded into three double plays, went 1 for 9 with runners in scoring position and stranded nine runners.