DALLAS (Reuters) - Elvis Andrus stroked a game-winning RBI single with two outs to complete a ninth-inning comeback in the Texas Rangers' 7-6 victory over the Kansas City Royals Sunday.
The Royals had taken a 6-5 lead in the top of the ninth where Alcides Escobar hit a sacrifice-fly RBI, but Texas' Nelson Cruz tied the score with a solo home run in the bottom half against losing relief pitcher Joakim Soria.
Mike Napoli, who went 3-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs, singled in the ninth and sped around all the way from first base, sliding under the tag of catcher Brayan Pena to score the winning run.
"I thought they might hold me (at third)," Napoli told reporters. "But when they tell me to go, I go.
"I was caught in-between (when the ball got to the plate), and I had to do something there. I was going to try to kick it out of his glove. I thought that was my best chance."
The tumbling Royals were sent to their 12th loss in the last 15 games.
However, the American League West-leading Rangers (28-25) climbed back with a run in the fifth and a two-run homer in the eighth from Michael Young to even the game at 5-5.
Texas' surprising second-year pitcher Alexi Ogando was aiming for his sixth win against no losses this season, but he took the no-decision after allowing five runs in six innings.
Arthur Rhodes got the win after he came on for the final out in the ninth as the Royals had a man on base.
Kansas City rookie pitcher Danny Duffy allowed three runs in six innings but was let down by his bullpen.
Closer Soria has blown four saves in his last 11 chances.
"(Soria) will figure it out," said Royals manager Ned Yost. "And you know why? Because he's a good pitcher. He's an All-Star-caliber guy. That doesn't happen by accident."
(Writing by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles; Editing by Mark Lamport-Stokes)