Moss helps key comeback win for A's

PHOENIX -- The A's used a three-run fourth to tie a seemingly unstoppable Royals club, and one more run in the fifth was all that was needed to put them on top for good in a 6-3 victory at Phoenix Municipal Stadium on Tuesday.

It marked just the second loss of the spring for the Royals, whose record stands at 13-2-1, while the A's improved to 8-8.

Facing Kansas City right-hander James Shields, the A's were held hitless through the first three innings, before Coco Crisp got things going with a leadoff single in the fourth. One out later, Jed Lowrie collected a hit of his own, and Yoenis Cespedes' ensuing run-scoring double put Oakland on the board.

Brandon Moss followed with a two-RBI base hit that tied the game, and the A's took control in the fifth via Eric Sogard's run-scoring double.

Shields went 4 2/3 innings for Kansas City, giving up four runs on six hits. He walked none and struck out six.

Oakland's offensive effort overshadowed an early lead posted by the Royals, who got to starter Tommy Milone right away, with Alex Gordon leading off the game with a monster shot to right field.

The left-handed Milone proceeded to keep the Royals off the board in the second and third innings, before allowing two more runs in the fourth, when first baseman Max Ramirez and second baseman Johnny Giavotella notched RBI hits.

Milone was done after 3 2/3 innings in his third Cactus League start. He was tagged for three runs and six hits, while striking out two.

Andy Parrino delivered some insurance in the eighth with a two-run single.

Up next for A's: Though most A's players will enjoy a scheduled off-day Wednesday, right-hander A.J. Griffin will be at work in a Minor League game, where he will pitch in order to remain on schedule. On Thursday, it's righty Dan Straily taking on Rangers right-hander Randy Wells, as the A's go to battle with Texas at Phoenix Municipal Stadium beginning at 1:05 p.m. PT.