Royals Get By A's On Gathright's Single In 10th Inning

Kansas City, MO (AHN) - Joey Gathright drilled the game-winning single to lift Kansas City past Oakland 5-4 in 10 innings in the first game of a doubleheader Thursday at Kauffman Stadium.

Gathright stepped to the plate with runners on first and second, and sent Joey Devine's pitch to third base for the winning run, as the Royals won their second straight in the series.

The doubleheader came as Wednesday's match was rained out. Kansas City sends Kyle Davies to the mound later Thursday night in a bid to sweep the series against Oakland starter Dan Meyer.

Royals closer Joakim Soria got the win after making the final six outs of the game. Starter Brian Bannister remained winless in his last 11 outings, earning a no-decision after tossing seven innings with one earned run and seven hits.

Kansas City, losers of five of the last six before winning the opener 5-2 Tuesday night, led early 4-0 on a double from Billy Butler and a single from Ryan Shealy. Jose Guillen also reached home on Dana Eveland's wild pitch in the first inning.

But the A's got right back with three runs in the fifth when Bobby Crosby singled and Jack Cust doubled for two more. Oakland then tied it on Daric Barton's solo shot in the sixth.

Devine took his first loss of the season against four wins. Eveland pitched six innings allowing four runs and 10 hits.

After Thursday's nightcap, Oakland heads to Baltimore for a three-game set beginning Friday night.

The Royals host Cleveland next starting Friday night.