KANSAS CITY, Mo. Justin Pugh Jersey . - After a spotless stretch for 18 days earlier this month, the Oakland Athletics bullpen is struggling a bit. Starter Jeff Samardzija left with a one-run lead in the seventh inning, but Ryan Cook failed to hold it in a 7-3 loss to the Kansas City Royals on Thursday. Cook allowed two inherited runners to score and three of his own without retiring a batter. Cooks streak of 21 consecutive scoreless innings came to an abrupt halt. "I have all the faith in the world in those guys," Samardzija said. "The best thing is to stay out of these situations altogether and go out and get them 1-2-3." The As relievers set a club record with a 29 2-3 scoreless innings streak from July 23-Aug. 9. But in the past six games, the bullpen has allowed 10 runs in 12 1-3 innings. "Our bullpen is the best in baseball I really believe that," said Stephen Vogt, who had three hits and scored a run. "They have given us so many great innings. To have one hiccup, Im not worrying about it. We have all the confidence in our bullpen." Nori Aoki and Billy Butler each drove in two runs in a five-run seventh as the Royals have won 18 of 22 to move 12 games above .500 for the first time since July 20, 2003. The Royals took the season series, winning five of seven against the Athletics, who have the best record in the majors. The As could face the Royals, who lead the AL Central, in the playoffs. "I dont think there is a playoff team that anybody wants to face," Vogt said. "There are about eight teams that nobody wants to face in October and some of them are new teams. These guys (Royals) are one of them." Aokis two-run triple put the Royals ahead 5-3. Butlers single scored Aoki and Alcides Escobar. Jarrod Dyson fouled off four consecutive pitches before hitting an RBI single to right for the first run of the inning. Samardzija (3-2) took the loss, giving up four runs, three earned, and eight hits in 6 2-3 innings. Aaron Crow (6-1), the third of six Kansas City pitchers, picked up the victory, retiring the only batter he faced. Starter James Shields gave up three runs and seven hits in six innings and has a 1.94 ERA in his past eight starts. Greg Holland earned the final two outs for his 36th save in 38 opportunities. The As scored two runs in the sixth when Dyson lost Josh Reddicks high fly in the sun for a triple, which scored Vogt. Alberto Callaspo drove in two Oakland runs with a single and a sacrifice fly. ON DECK Athletics: RHP Jason Hammel will start the opener of a weekend series at Atlanta. The As last played at Atlanta in 2008, losing two of three. Royals: LHP Danny Duffy will start Friday at Minnesota, where the Royals have lost four of six this season. The Royals play their next nine on the road, all against clubs in last place in their division — Minnesota, Colorado and Texas. TRAINERS ROOM Athletics: SS Jed Lowrie was placed on the disabled list after the game with a broken right index finger. Lowrie, who injured it Aug. 4, returned to San Francisco to have his finger checked. Royals: 1B Eric Hosmers MRI of his broken finger showed progress, but he will not be allowed to swing a bat for at least another week. ROOKIE SENSATION Royals IF Christian Colon had his second three-hit game, including a double, stole his first base in the majors and scored a run. He is hitting .444 in five career starts. PARRINO RECALLED The As recalled IF Andy Parrino from Triple-A Sacramento, where he was hitting .286 with 28 extra-base hits and 52 RBIs in 90 games. He will take Lowries roster spot. Arizona Cardinals Jerseys . "I could have been equipment manager but nooooo" from Lisa on Ice. Season 6, Episode 8. Benson Mayowa Jersey . Milan was held to 1-1 at home by Torino. Cagliari scored six minutes from halftime when Mauricio Pinilla blasted home from the penalty spot after Facundo Roncaglia tripped Marco Sau. The home side could have doubled its tally in stoppage time as first Fiorentina defender Stefan Savic almost scored an own goal then Albin Ekdals shot clipped the top of the upright. http://www.officialauthenticcardinalsshop.com/authentic-andre-smith-jersey.html . Lineup news, Fantasy and more in Scott Cullen’s Statistically Speaking. HEROES St. Louis Blues – After rolling the San Jose Sharks for seven goals, for the second time in a week, the Blues have a bunch of players on hot streaks.WASHINGTON - Chad Barrett scored in the 39th minute to help the Seattle Sounders beat D.C. United 1-0 on Saturday night. Seattle (11-3-2) won its third straight and extended its undefeated streak to five games. Gonzalo Pineda lofted a cross and Barrett headed the feed from the penalty spot to inside the upper left corner of the goal past goalkeeper Bill Hamid. The goal was Barretts third goal in four gaames and his fourth of the season. Chase Edmonds Cardinals Jersey. United (7-5-4) held a significant possession advantage but couldnt find the net. In the 82nd minute, Eddie Johnson narrowly missed tying the game when his header fell wide. Both teams played without their top scorers — Seattles Clint Dempsey is playing for the U.S. in the World Cup, and Uniteds Fabian Espindola is serving a suspension. Cheap Canadiens Jerseys Cheap Predators Jerseys Cheap Devils Jerseys Cheap Islanders Jerseys Cheap Rangers Jerseys Cheap Senators Jerseys Cheap Flyers Jerseys Cheap Penguins Jerseys Cheap Sharks Jerseys Cheap Blues Jerseys Cheap Lightning Jerseys Cheap Maple Leafs Jerseys Cheap Canucks Jerseys Cheap Golden Knights Jerseys Cheap Capitals Jerseys Cheap Winnipeg Jets Jerseys ' ' '