MLB: Kansas City 5, Oakland 2

OAKLAND, Calif., July 30 (UPI) -- John Buck and Mike Aviles homered Tuesday, carrying the Kansas City Royals to a 5-2 win over the struggling Oakland Athletics.

Buck drilled a three-run shot and Aviles, who also tripled and scored twice, nailed a solo four-bagger..

Their offensive power complemented starting pitcher Gil Meche's strong seven-inning performance. Meche improved to 9-9 by allowing just two runs on five hits and two walks. He struck out eight in the Royals' third straight win.

Joakim Soria threw a scoreless ninth for his 29th save -- a single-season record for a Mexican-born pitcher -- as the Athletics lost for the 11th time in 13 games.

Mark Ellis drove in a run and scored once for Oakland.

Greg Smith (5-10) allowed the five Kansas City runs on just four hits and two walks in seven innings.