KANSAS CITY, Mo., July 23 (UPI) -- Mike Napoli touched off a five-run eighth with a two-run homer Wednesday and the Los Angeles Angels rallied to defeat Kansas City 9-6.
The Angels overcame a four-run deficit with a 15-hit attack and won their fifth straight game. They maintained a three-game lead over Texas at the top of the American League West.
Kansas City, losers of nine in a row, built a 6-2 lead through six innings before suffering a bullpen collapse.
The Angels cut their deficit in half in the seventh on a solo homer by Howie Kendrick and an RBI single by Maicer Izturis. They then took control with a big inning in the eighth.
Kendry Morales opened the inning with a double off John Bale and Roman Colon (1-1) came on to relieve. Mike Napoli greeted Colon with a homer to right that made it 6-6.
Colon then walked Gary Matthews and was replaced by Jamey Wright. Both Kendrick and Reggie Willits walked to load the bases and Chone Figgins followed with a two-run double. Izturis tacked on a sacrifice fly for the final run of the game.
The comeback made a winner out of reliever Justin Speier (4-2), who allowed a hit over 1 1/3. Brian Fuentes worked the ninth for his 30th save.
