Oakland, CA (Sports Network) - After the Royals took a 4-3 lead in the top of
the 12th, the A's scored two runs in the bottom of the frame without recording
a hit to take a 5-4 decision over Kansas City in the finale of a three-game
series at Oakland Coliseum on Wednesday.
Billy Butler broke a 3-3 tie with a two-out RBI double to score Eric Hosmer in
the top of the frame off of Andrew Carignan (1-0) before the Royals imploded
in the bottom of the 12th.
Jonathan Broxton (0-1) came on for the save opportunity, punching out Daric
Barton to start the inning. Seth Smith then reached on an error by shortstop
Alcides Escobar before Jemile Weeks and Eric Soggard worked back-to-back walks
to load the bases.
Coco Crisp followed with an RBI groundout, scoring Smith to tie the game and
Yoenis Cespedes took a pitch off the shoulder to load the bases again.
Jonny Gomes then stepped to the plate, and Broxton's first offering drilled
Gomes, giving Oakland a rare walk-off hit by pitch for the victory.
Brandon McCarthy allowed just two runs on six hits and two walks over six
innings as the A's starter. Gomes hit a two-run homer and finished with three
RBI, while Cespedes finished with two hits and two runs scored for Oakland,
which took the series after splitting the first two with the Royals.
Bruce Chen made the start for Kansas City and lasted just five innings,
allowing three runs -- two earned -- on four hits and two walks. Alex Gordon,
who started the season 0-17, finished 2-for-3 with a homer and two RBI, while
Butler added a solo shot.
The Sports Network