Royals stay hot as Vargas wins 11th

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Jason Vargas missed most of last season after having elbow surgery in 2015. This year he is a candidate to start the All-Star Game.

Vargas earned his majorleague11th victory Saturday, pitching seven efficient innings to lead the surgingRoyals over the Blue Jays 3-2.

The Royals won for the 11th time in 13 games and moved over .500 for the first time at 37-36.

“The pitching has been great, and we’ve got some timely hitting,” said Eric Hosmer, who homered in the fourth. “We’re definitely now.”

Vargas (11-3) allowed two runs on eight hits, walked none and struck out two.

“Itwas a great day becausewe cameout with a ‘W,’ ” Vargas said. “I felt like in those middle innings we got into a nice rhythm and had some nice plays made for us and got us out of a couple of innings.”

Troy Tulowitzki and Pillar homered off Vargas.

“I know Jason really well,” Tulowitzki said. “I went to college with him. It’s funny because he used to be a power guy, throw real hard. Now he’s finesse. But in sync as a team right Kevin he knows how to pitch, bottom line. He gets himself better each and every year. Other than today, I’ve beenhappy for him, honestly, just because he’s a good friend and someone that really loves the game.”

Pillar’s game 2-2.

“The fellows came back and pickedme up after I gave up that home run in the seventh,” Vargas said.

Alcides Escobar had three hits and scored twice, including the go-ahead run in the seventh. He singled with one out and scored onAlexGordon’s triple offMarco Estrada (4-6). home run tied the