German doubled with one out in the ninth inning and advanced on a single by Mitch Maier. Rivera then threw his first wild pitch of the season, allowing German to score.

The Yankees loaded the bases in the bottom of the ninth against Royals' reliever pitcher Joakim Soria but he got Jason Giambi to fly to center for the final out, earning his 33rd save of the season.

German finished with two doubles and two runs scored and Mark Teahen had two RBI for Kansas City.

Leo Nunez (4-1) earned the win with 1 1/2 scoreless innings.

Derek Jeter, Bobby Abreu and Alex Rodriguez each drove in a run for Yankees, who have lost six of seven.

The loss dropped Rivera's record to 4-5.