Alex Gordon homered for the second time in the series and Bruce Chen survived five innings for his first win since July 3 in Kansas City’s 5-4 win over the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday.

The Royals took three of four from the last-place Orioles and have won three games in a row for the first time since sweeping a three-game series from the Seattle Mariners July 5-7.

Gordon’s homer in the fourth was his second in three days and third on the season, but it was Mitch Maier’s single in the sixth that proved to be the game-winner.

Baltimore’s Ty Wigginton homered in the seventh to also launch his second blast in three days and the Orioles had the tying run at third in the ninth against closer Joakim Soria, but couldn’t score.

The Orioles started August much like they spent most of July – losing. They have lost eight of their last nine and now return home to host the Angels on Tuesday.

Over his last four appearances, Chen (6-5) was pounded for 18 runs in 20 2/3 innings. But he allowed three runs (two earned) in five innings despite constantly working with runners on. Chen allowed seven hits and walked three.

Kevin Millwood (2-11) allowed five runs in 5 1/3 innings to lose his third consecutive start.