KANSAS CITY— Royals catcher Salvador Perez lined the decisive solo home run in the eighth inning in a 4-3 victory over the Rangers in the series finale at Kauffman Stadium on Sunday afternoon. It was Kansas City’s fourth win in its last 12 games.

Royals starter Jeremy Guthrie kept the Rangers scoreless through the first six innings, but he exited the game with two runners on base in the seventh, both of whom scored on Leonys Martin’s bases-loaded single as part of a three-run inning to tie the game.

But reliever Wade Davis shut down the Rangers in the eighth, and closer Greg Holland followed Perez’s homer with a scoreless ninth to notch the save.

“It was a tough one,” Rangers manager Jeff Banister said. “I felt if we could hold them there in the eighth, we had a chance to win the game.”

Rangers right-hander Colby Lewis allowed three runs over seven solid frames, allowing sac flies to Eric Hosmer and Alcides Escobar and an RBI double to Kendrys Morales.

“I think it was a big win for us today,” Perez said. “We have a happy flight and … tomorrow, we’re going to play hard against Minnesota and do everything we can to win the game, win the series.”