OAKLAND, California — Zack Gelof hit his first home run in nearly three weeks and the Oakland Athletics beat the Kansas City Royals 7-5 on Tuesday to end a nine-game losing streak.
JJ Bleday had a career-high three doubles and a pair of RBIs, while Miguel Andújar added two hits as Oakland earned its first win since June 7.
The A’s (27-48) have the fourth-worst record in the Major Leagues.
Before the game, a minute of silence was held in memory of Willie Mays, the Hall of Fame center fielder, who died on the day. Mays had the last hit of his illustrious career at the Oakland Coliseum in the 1973 World Series.
Nick Loftin hit his first home run, on a night in which he drove in three runs. but Kansas City suffered its third setback in four games.
Hogan Harris (1-0) worked five irregular innings to get the win. Alec Marsh (5-4) was the loser.
For the Royals, Venezuelans Maikel García 0-5 with one RBI, Salvador Pérez 4-2 with one run scored, Freddy Fermín 4-1 with one run scored and one RBI. Puerto Rican Nelson Velázquez 3-0.
For the Athletics, Dominican Andújar was 2-for-4 with an RBI.
