Cleveland ? Chris Gimenez was happy to help the Cleveland Indians win, delighted to get a career-high four RBIs and ecstatic to put his batting average over .200

The seldom-used backup catcher had two hits including one of Cleveland’s trio of three-run homers to beat the Kansas City Royals, 15-4, Friday night.

“That’s a good night,” said Gimenez, who raised his average 40 points to .212.

“It hate to admit it, but seeing a ‘2’ next to my name does wonders,” he said. “I’ve been working to adjust to being able to swing the bat whenever I get the chance. It’s mostly mental. It felt real good to contribute.”

Four of Gimenez’s seven hits in 33 at-bats have been for extra-bases.

Matt LaPorta hit a three-run homer in Cleveland’s six-run second inning off Bryan Bullington (1-3). Gimenez and Jayson Nix, who tied a career high with four RBIs, later connected with two on against relievers in the Indians’ largest offensive output since a 15-3 victory over Oakland on July 3, 2009.

“The long ball was huge,” Indians manager Manny Acta said. “LaPorta set the tone, and I’m glad for Chris. “He’s got some power, but has to adjust to his role. It’s tough to get hits when you’re not going up to the plate that much.

Josh Tomlin (2-3) won for the first time in five starts since beating the New York Yankees in his major-league debut July 27.

The right-hander allowed three runs and eight hits over five innings.

Jason Donald tied a career high with four hits as Cleveland earned its first consecutive victories since taking three in a row July 31 to Aug. 2.

“Once you see somebody get a big knock, you want to hop in there and keep it going,” Donald said. “One through nine, the lineup did a great job.”

The Indians have lost 13 of 18 and trail the fourth-place Royals by two games in the AL Central.

The Royals’ Gregor Blanco had four hits for the fourth time in his career, but manager Ned Yost failed to get career win No. 500. He is 499-553 with Milwaukee and Kansas City, going 42-51 since replacing Trey Hillman on May 14.