Rays rally again against struggling Royals bullpen for 4-3 victory over Kansas City

Tampa Bay Rays rally again to beat Royals 4-3

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Gabe Gross drew a bases-loaded walk to force in the tiebreaking run with two outs in the eighth inning, and the Tampa Bay Rays rallied against a struggling Kansas City bullpen for a 4-3 victory over the Royals on Sunday.

The Royals, who have lost six straight and eight of nine, blew a 3-0 lead. It was the third straight game the bullpen failed to hold a lead. The Rays scored seven runs in the eighth innings in sweeping the three-game series.

The Royals (37-54) dropped to a season-worst 17 games below .500.

With the Rays trailing 3-2, Carl Crawford reached on an infield single in the eighth and went to third on an errant pickoff throw by Jamey Wright (0-3).

After Evan Longoria was intentionally walked, Carlos Pena singled home Crawford before Ben Zobrist drew a walk from John Bale to load the bases. Roman Colon then walked Gross after having him down in the count 0-2.

Grant Balfour (4-1), the third of five Rays pitchers, got the win by allowing one hit in 1 1-3 scoreless innings. J.P. Howell, who has converted his past seven save opportunities, earned his ninth save in 13 chances. He logged saves in all three games against the Royals.

Royals starter Luke Hochevar struck out a career-high nine and did not walk a hitter for the first time this season, but had to settle for a no-decision. He left with a 3-2 lead, giving up seven hits in 6 1-3 innings.

Alberto Callaspo had three hits and drove in two runs with a bases-loaded single with two outs in the Kansas City fifth. Callaspo’s single scored Mark Teahen, who had walked, and Jose Guillen, who had singled. Mike Jacobs walked to load the bases before Callaspo’s hit.

Rays starter Matt Garza left after five innings and 101 pitches, allowing three runs on six hits and five walks. He walked David DeJesus with the bases loaded in the second.

Jason Bartlett led off the Tampa Bay sixth with a single, stopped at third on B.J. Upton’s double and scored on Longoria’s groundout.

The Rays chased Hochevar in the seventh with Gross’ RBI double.

The Royals stranded 13 and went 2 for 11 with runners in scoring position.

NOTES: 1B Billy Butler had four of Kansas City’s 11 hits, matching his career high. … Royals RHP Sidney Ponson, who has been on the disabled list with a right elbow strain, will make his first start since May 6 on Monday when he faces the Angels. … Zobrist extended his hitting streak to nine, matching his career high.