KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A day after their highest scoring output of the season, the Oakland Athletics had to rely on their pitching to pull out another win.

Fiers and three Oakland relievers combined to shut down the Kansas City Royals and Marcus Semien provided just enough early offense in a 2-1 victory Tuesday night to take a one game lead over Tampa Bay for the second AL wild card spot.

“We had to grind this one out,” Fiers said. “It was one of those games where their pitcher pitched well so you have to tip your cap to them. To keep them to one run is what we needed.”

On Monday night, the A’s beat the Royals 19-4.

Semien had hits in his first two at-bats Tuesday, coming around to score in the first inning and driving in a run in the second. That was all the offense the A’s pitchers needed.