Joakim Soria worked out of a bases loaded jam with one out in the ninth inning to preserve a 4-3 win as the Royals closer picked up his 99th career save over the Baltimore Orioles.
After a lead-off walk and single to start the ninth, the Royals got an out at first on a sacrifice bunt by Baltimore’s Corey Patterson. Soria then walked Nick Markakis, to load the bases. Facing the Orioles No. 3 and 4 hitters, Soria got Ty Wiggington out on a foul tip, then Miguel Tejada grounded out to second to end the game.
The Royals had a 2-1 lead after two innings when Billy Butler singled home a run in the first. After Baltimore tied it up at 1-1 against Royals’ starter Kyle Davies, the Royals took the lead again when Mitch Maier scored from third on a balk by O’s starter Ben Bergeson. Baltimore tied the game in the fifth when the Royals traded a run for an out, but regained the lead in the sixth when the Royals scored a single run on a ground out.
Insurance came in the seventh on an RBI double from Butler to put KC up 4-2. Baltimore plated another run in the bottom of the seventh when Wiggington beat out a double play attempt which scored another run.
Kyle Davies pitched well, going six innings allowing just two runs on seven hits. Davies only walked one batter. Butler was 2 for 4 with a couple of RBIs raising his average to .342.
