Royals Finally Win at Home

Jeff King had five RBIs and a bases-loaded triple as Kansas City defeated Oakland, 5-3, Friday night to end a six-game home losing streak and stretch the Royals’ overall winning streak to four--their longest since September 1996.

Kansas City came into the game with a major league-worst 6-18 home record, and were winless at Kauffman Stadium since May 7.

“It’s one of those things that are hard to explain in baseball,” King said. “We could have just been trying too hard at home. Normally, when you try too hard, you make things worse. It’s nice to keep this little winning streak going, that’s for sure.”

Trailing 3-2, the Royals loaded the bases in the seventh inning with two walks around Hal Morris’ single.

Mike Fetters relieved Mike Mohler (0-2) and walked Dean Palmer, loading the bases. Then King tripled into the right-field corner for his seventh career five-RBI game. King had just five RBIs in the previous 20 games.

“I think in the last couple of weeks I’ve been falling off the ball,” King said. “So I decided to try to use the whole field a little bit and just stay on the ball a little better.”

Chris Haney (3-3) got two outs for his first win since April 15, and Jeff Montgomery pitched the ninth for his ninth save.

Rookie starter Blake Stein went five innings for Oakland, giving up seven hits and two runs.

“We got only one hit after the fifth inning,” Oakland Manager Art Howe said. “We’ve got to keep the heat on. That’s been happening too often. I don’t know why, but it has been. Plus, they made some big plays defensively. That kid at short made three nice plays in the ninth inning.”

Kansas City starter Pat Rapp gave up three runs and five hits in six innings. Chris Haney (3-3) got two outs for his first win since April 15 and his first win ever in relief.

“It was good to finally get a win at home,” Halter said. “We saw the game get excited. Hopefully we can keep the streak going.”