CLEVELAND— The Royals started this three-game series with a bang, belting two homers, including a three-run shot by Eric Hosmer in the first inning as part of his four-RBI night, in a 9-4 victory over the Indians on Monday night at Progressive Field.

Indians rookie Cody Anderson struggled for a second consecutive outing, allowing seven earned runs on eight hits in 5 2/3 innings with two walks. The Royals were aggressive against the strike-throwing righty, with four of his eight hits allowed coming on the first pitch, including home runs by Hosmer and Omar Infante.

“I knew the scouting report, that they were going to come out swinging and early in the count, I just didn’t make my pitches down in the zone,” Anderson said. “Sometimes you can use that against them if you locate, but I didn’t do that.”

Carlos Santana and Francisco Lindor homered for the Indians.

Edinson Volquez pitched around five walks to earn his 10th victory, allowing three earned runs on six hits in six-plus innings. Volquez is now 8-2 in his last 14 starts.

“He got us through six,” manager Ned Yost said. “His stuff was good. I was trying to push him through seven. And then the two walks … other than that, he was in total control.”

Joe Blanton worked the final three innings for his second save of the season, and the second of his career.

The Indians have lost five consecutive games -- seven in a row at home -- and are 9-24 in series openers.