Nick Kurtz highlighted a four-run second inning with a two-RBI double, four relievers combined for six strong innings and the Athletics finished off a series win over the visiting Kansas City Royals with a 6-3 victory on Thursday afternoon in Sacramento.
Jacob Wilson and Shea Langeliers combined for five hits and four runs atop the lineup, helping the A’s win a second straight game over the Royals and capture their third consecutive 2-1 series win.
After the teams traded single runs in the first inning, the Royals scored again in the second on a solo home run by Maikel Garcia, his third of the season, before the A’s took the lead for good with their four-spot in the bottom of the frame.
A walk to Lawrence Butler and a single by Wilson set the stage, as Langeliers tied the game with an RBI double before Kurtz lashed his two-run double to center field.
Kurtz scored the inning’s fourth run on a throwing error by Royals second baseman Nick Loftin.
A’s starter Jeffrey Springs threw a scoreless third inning, retaining a 5-2 lead, before handing the ball off to the bullpen, which allowed just one run and five hits the rest of the way.
Luis Medina (1-1), who threw 2 2/3 innings of shutout ball, was credited with the win. Following Scott Barlow and Brady Basso, Jack Perkins pitched a one-hit ninth for his third save.
Springs gave up two runs and five hits in his three innings, during which he labored through 67 pitches. He walked one and struck out four.
Royals starter Noah Cameron (2-2) took the loss, charged with five runs (four earned) on nine hits in 5 1/3 innings. He walked two and struck out five.
Langeliers finished with three hits — all doubles — and scored twice for the A’s, while Wilson had two hits and also scored twice.
Darell Hernaiz also had three hits and drove in two runs for the hosts, who out-hit the Royals 11-10.
Garcia went 3-for-5 with his homer and two doubles for Kansas City, while Elias Diaz added a solo shot in the eighth, his first of the season. Garcia scored twice and also stole a base, while Starling Marte added three singles and an RBI.
