Cubs beat Royals, 45-year-old starter Hill 8-4

Matthew Boyd pitched seven crisp innings for his 11th win, and the Chicago Cubs spoiled 45-year-old Rich Hill’s return to the majors with a 6-0 win over the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night.

Nico Hoerner, Dansby Swanson and Matt Shaw each had two hits as Chicago ended a two-game slide. Shaw, Hoerner, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Seiya Suzuki and Carson Kelly had RBIs.

The Cubs climbed back into a tie for the division lead with Milwaukee, who lost to Seattle 1-0.

Boyd (11-3) gave up four hits, struck out six and walked one in winning his fifth straight start. 

Hill (0-1) became the oldest active player in baseball after the Royals selected the 45-year-old from Triple-A Omaha. He allowed three runs — one earned — and six hits in five innings. 

He became the oldest player to start a major league game since 2012 when Jamie Moyer tossed his final game with Colorado at age 49.

Royals RHP Seth Lugo (6-5, 8-42.94 ERA) will face Cubs RHP Colin Rea (8-3, 3.80) on Wednesday.



(AP Photo Nam Y. Huh)