Oakland, CA (Sports Network) - Kevin Kouzmanoff delivered the tie-breaking two-run double and Brett Anderson worked seven strong innings to lead Oakland to a 4-3 win over Kansas City in the deciding contest of a three-game set.
Kouzmanoff's two-run double snapped a 2-2 tie and punctuated a four-run sixth inning rally as the Athleticsovercame an early deficit to down the Royals for a fifth time in six tries this season.
Coco Crisp and Cliff Pennington each had two hits and scored a run for Oakland, which improved to 25-11 in day games in 2010.
Anderson (3-2) gave up a pair of runs on three hits, while walking one and striking out four and Michael Wuertzstruck out the side in order in the ninth to preserve the win and earn his fourth save.
Sean O'Sullivan (1-2) took the loss after allowing all four runs -- three earned -- on six hits while walking two and fanning four over 5 1/3 innings for the Royals, who had a six-game rubber match win streak snapped.
Chris Getz started the game with a walk, moved to third base on a Mike Aviles hit and run single and stayed put when Aviles stole second base. Billy Butler's sacrifice fly plated Getz and moved Aviles to third, from where he scored on a Jose Guillen fielder's choice ground ball.
Pennington started the decisive sixth inning with a single and stolen base and remained at second when Crisp walked. Daric Barton bunted for a base hit and a throwing error on the play by O'Sullivan brought Pennington home with the A's first run and put runners at the corners.
Kurt Suzuki then bounced a ground ball to third that Aviles couldn't field which allowed Crisp to score to tie the game at two.
Jack Cust struck out before Kouzmanoff delivered his two-base hit to center field to deliver Barton and Suzuki to put the A's in front 4-2 and chase O'Sullivanfrom the game.
Kanekoa Texeria took over and worked out of further trouble.
The A's put runners on the corners with one out in the seventh against the Royals' right-hander but could not add to their lead after Barton fouled out on a bunt try and Suzuki flied out.
Yuniesky Betancourt slugged a solo home run to left off Craig Breslow to pull the Royals to within one in the eighth.
Kansas City is 8-6 in rubber games this season...The Royals are 17-20 in one- run games...Oakland has won eight of its last nine day games...The Athletics have won only six of their 15 one-run decisions...Oakland's Mark Ellis went 2- for-4 and has hit safely in 12 straight games against the Royals...The A's are 45-1 when leading after seven innings...Anderson has won both of his career starts against Kansas City...His other win came against the Royals came on August 9 of last season.