Kansas City first baseman Ross Gload, right, stretches out for a throw as Texas' Ian Kinsler races toward first base. Kinsler was out, but the Rangers won, 5-3, Tuesday in Arlington, Texas.

Arlington, Texas ? Gerald Laird squared to bunt the first pitch he saw in the sixth inning, but it was a ball. Laird changed tactics on the next pitch, hitting a three-run homer that put the Texas Rangers ahead to stay.

Michael Young also homered and Kevin Millwood struck out nine in seven innings to help the Rangers to a 5-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night.

The Royals had taken a 3-1 lead in the sixth, scoring two runs on Rangers first baseman Jarrod Saltalamacchia’s double error. But the Rangers answered with a fourth-run sixth capped by Laird’s homer.

Nelson Cruz’s RBI single in the sixth chased starter Kyle Davies (1-1) and pulled the Rangers within 3-2.

David Riske relieved with runners on first and second and Laird came to the plate intending to bunt.

After taking the first pitch, Laird saw the Royals infielders on the move to defend what they suspected would be another bunt. Given the option to swing away by manager Ron Washington, Laird ripped a 1-0 fastball into the seats in left for his seventh homer and a 5-3 lead.

“I was supposed to bunt the runners over,” Laird said. “I had the chance to swing if they ran the wheel play. I decided to take a hack. I was 100 percent sure it was going to be a fastball.”

Royals manager Buddy Bell was surprised to see Laird swing away.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a guy square around and then hit a home run,” Bell said.

Millwood (8-9) gave up three runs – one earned – and four hits in his longest outing since July 13, when he went seven innings against the Los Angeles Angels.

Millwood changed his position on the rubber in his previous start, setting up on the first-base side. He allowed three runs in six innings of his last start, and was effective again against the Royals.

“I’m getting more used to it each time out,” Millwood said. “It feels good. I’m able to locate better. I was trying to throw everything across my body. This has freed my arm up a lot. It’s making things easier.”

C.J. Wilson got four outs for his fifth save in six chances, stretching his scoreless streak to 151â3 innings.

Davies was making his third start since he came to the Royals on July 31 in a trade.