Royals 5, Athletics 0: Jeremy Guthrie combined with two relievers on a three-hit shutout and Alcides Escobar had two hits and an RBI as host Kansas City posted its fifth win in seven games.

Guthrie (2-3) turned in his second stellar performance, allowing three singles and two walks while striking out eight. The right-hander, who lost his first three starts after being acquired from Colorado, worked eight scoreless frames against the White Sox in Chicago on Wednesday.

Kansas City needed only three hits to score five times in the fifth inning. After Jarrod Parker (7-7) issued a leadoff walk to Salvador Perez, Jeff Francoeur doubled and Eric Hosmer delivered an RBI single to snap a scoreless tie.

Lorenzo Cain walked before Chris Getz lifted a sacrifice fly, and Alex Gordon plated a run with a single. Cain scored on an error and Billy Butler capped the uprising with another sacrifice fly.

Tim Collins struck out the side in the eighth and Greg Holland worked a perfect ninth to complete the shutout.

Parker surrendered five runs - four earned - and five hits in 4 2/3 frames. He walked two and struck out three en route to his third consecutive loss.

Oakland, which struck out 12 times, has lost three of four.

GAME NOTEBOOK: The Athletics placed 3B Brandon Inge on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained right shoulder and recalled Josh Donaldson from Triple-A Sacramento. Donaldson started at third base and went 1-for-2 with a walk. ... Kansas City placed SS Yuniesky Betancourt on release waivers, officially cutting ties with the veteran infielder. Betancourt batted .228 (49-for-215) with seven home runs and 36 RBIs in 57 games this year. ... Oakland LHP Dallas Braden, who has not pitched since April 16, 2011, needs exploratory shoulder surgery and it is unknown when he will return.