Pena Steps Down After Royals Lose

Tony Pena resigned Tuesday night as Kansas City’s manager, less than two seasons after he was the American League manager of the year.

The move came hours after the Royals lost, 3-1, to the Blue Jays in Toronto and fell to an American League-worst 8-25.

Kansas City spokesman Aaron Babcock said Pena would be replaced on an interim basis by bench coach Bob Schaeffer.

“I feel that at this time we have not played to the top of our abilities,” Pena said in a statement released by the team.

“The Kansas City Royals are on the right track by committing to their young players, and I believe the Royals will be contenders for a long time if they don’t change their direction.”

Kansas City General Manager Allard Baird said Pena would be offered a position within the organization.

Boston 3, Oakland 2 -- Kevin Millar hit a two-run home run in the ninth inning to give the Red Sox the victory at Boston.

New York 7, Seattle 4 -- Tino Martinez homered for the fourth consecutive game, a two-run drive that helped the Yankees extend their winning streak to four, and Chien-Ming Wang (1-1) got his first major league victory at New York.

Minnesota 6, Baltimore 4 -- Pinch-hitter Jacque Jones and Shannon Stewart homered on successive pitches from Steve Kline in the 10th inning at Baltimore, and the Twins rallied to earn their 10th victory in 14 games.

Tampa Bay 7, Chicago 6 -- Jorge Cantu homered with one out in the bottom of the ninth inning at St. Petersburg, Fla., and the Devil Rays became only the second team to win a series from the White Sox.

Texas 5, Detroit 4 -- Hank Blalock homered and drove in three runs at Arlington, Texas, and the Rangers won for the sixth time in eight games.