Taylor Hearn allowed only one hit in five scoreless innings, Brad Miller homered and the Texas Rangers defeated the Kansas City Royals 3-1 on Thursday night.

The Royals’ first hit literally was off Hearn. Michael A. Taylor sent a liner up the middle off the pitcher’s leg that continued to the left of second base and into left field with two out in the second inning.

Hearn (2-2) walked three and struck out five.

Joe Barlow pitched a scoreless ninth, retiring Whit Merrifield on a grounder with two runners on base, for his sixth save in six opportunities.

Jonathan Heasley (0-1) allowed four hits and four runs in 3 1/3 innings in his first major league appearance this season.

Kansas City used three consecutive singles to break up the shutout in eighth against John King. Matt Bush relieved King to get the third out, fanning Bobby Witt Jr. with runners at first and second.

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Royals: Begin a three-game series at Colorado on Friday with RHP Zach Greinke (0-2, 2.67) opposing Rockies LHP Kyle Freeland (1-3, 3.94). Pregame begins at 7 p.m., with game time at 7:40. You can hear the broadcast from the Royals’ Radio Network on KMMO FM 102.9.