(OAKLAND, Calif.) — Jon Lester pitches 6 2/3 innings, allowing three runs, walking one while striking out three, winning his first start with the Oakland Athletics 8-3, over the Kansas City Royals Saturday.
Oakland acquired Lester (11-7) from the Boston Red Sox in a trade Thursday. That trade also included outfielder Jonny Gomes, who had two hits and two RBIs in the victory.
Oakland (67-42) trailed 1-0 when it exploded for eight runs in the fifth inning.
Royals starter Jason Vargas (8-5) takes the loss allowing seven runs in 4 1/3 innings.
Kansas City (56-53) now sits five games behind Detroit for first place in the AL Central.
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