Athletics 3 - 4 Royals
Final
  for this game

Royals beat A's in ninth

May 8, 2011 - 3:23 AM

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Kansas City, MO (Sports Network) - Mike Aviles hit a game-winning sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth to give the Royals a 4-3 victory over the Athletics in the second of a three-game set.

Joakim Soria (2-0) received the win when he pitched a scoreless ninth inning to give the Royals their sixth victory in their last eight games.

Brandon McCarthy (1-3) took the complete-game loss in 8 1/3 innings where he allowed four runs, seven hits and two walks. He also struck out three in Oakland's third loss in its last five games.

"It's better if you complete a game and you don't give up any runs. It's a pretty good way to get a win, but as long as I keep going deep and keep things close, do what I'm supposed to do, things on that will turn around," said McCarthy.

The Royals led off the bottom of the ninth with back-to-back singles by Billy Butler and Jeff Francoeur. The A's then intentionally walked Eric Hosmer to load the bases, and Aviles hit a fly ball to shallow left field. The throw of Ryan Sweeney, who replaced Josh Willingham in left after he was ejected from the game for arguing a called third strike, failed to beat pinch-runner Jarrod Dyson home for the game-winning run.

"When you know who's on third base, you kind of know all you need to do there, and I know I just had to get the ball somewhere in the outfield. With Dyson's speed, we're definitely getting a run," said Aviles.

Matt Treanor and Alcides Escobar led off the sixth with back-to-back singles and advanced to second and third on a sacrifice bunt by Chris Getz. Melky Cabrera followed with a single that bounced off of shortstop Cliff Pennington's glove and scored Treanor. Alex Gordon then hit a single to bring home Escobar. Butler's sac fly plated Cabrera and made the score 3-0.

Andy LaRoche led off the eighth with a single that forced Royals starter, Luke Hochevar from the game. Aaron Crow entered in relief and pinch-hitter Sweeney followed with a single to center field. Pennington then homered to right to knot the game at three.

Hochevar went seven-plus innings, allowing one run on four hits and no walks while striking out three for the Royals.

Game Notes

Kansas City is now 15-7 at home this season...Oakland went 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position...Both teams left five men on base.






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