Jorge Soler inched closer to the Royals single-season home run record, and Kansas City rallied late, but the Athletics offense was too much for Kansas City in a 9-7 loss Thursday afternoon. Oakland also caught a few big breaks — all at the expense of Cheslor Cuthbert — in the later innings to help secure the win.
Royals starter Glenn Sparkman got himself into trouble early, giving up two singles and hitting two batters, including Jurickson Profar with the bases loaded to put Oakland up 1-0.
Kansas City immediately responded, as Whit Merrifield singled to lead off the bottom half of the first and was driven in on Jorge Soler’s scorching 37th homer of the season.