Royals’ playoff hopes hurt by 2nd loss to A’s

KANSAS CITY — Yes, it happened again.

With two on and two out and a one-run lead, beleaguered Royals reliever Joakim Soria surrendered a two-run double to left-handed pinch-hitter Yonder Alonso in a four-run eighth as the A’s rallied for a stunning 5-4 win on Tuesday night at Kauffman Stadium.

Soria suffered his seventh blown save this season, though he avoided tying the franchise record for losses (nine). Soria inherited two baserunners, and the loss therefore went to Matt Strahm.

The blown save spoiled a solid night from Royals starter Danny Duffy, who gave up three runs — two on solo homers to Khris Davis and Ryon Healy — over 7 1/3 innings.

The Royals’ fading postseason hopes took another hit as they fell five games behind Baltimore for an American League Wild Card spot, with the Orioles’ 6-3 win over the Red Sox.

A’s rookie right-hander Jharel Cotton, who won his Major League debut with 6 1/3 innings of one-run ball last Wednesday, was almost as good in a no-decision on Tuesday. Cotton kept the Royals guessing with his changeup and curve, and gave up seven hits and one earned run in 5 2/3 innings. He walked one and struck out two.

Closer Ryan Madson got Eric Hosmer to ground out to end the game and record his 30th save. The Royals had a runner on second after …

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