KANSAS CITY, Mo., Aug. 21 (UPI) -- Nick Swisher hit a two-run homer in the top of the eighth inning Sunday afternoon to help Oakland beat Kansas City, 6-4.
Jay Payton had two hits, including a two-run double; Eric Chavez and Mark Kotsay both hit sacrifice flies; and Mark Ellis had two hits for the Athletics (70-54), who have seven wins in their last 10 games.
Winner Kirk Saarloos (6-6) scattered two runs and 11 hits over six innings with no walks and one strikeout.
Mark Grudzielanek hit a two-run homer; Reggie Sanders hit a solo shot; Ivan DeJesus had a run and three hits; and five players, including Sanders, had two hits for the Royals (45-81), who have six losses in their last 10 games.
Grudzielanek's homer was an inside-the-park blast in the ninth.
Losing pitcher Runelvys Hernandez (3-8) gave up four runs and six hits in 4 2/3 innings.
