Billy Butler homered and drove in four runs to lead Kansas City past Oakland 5-2 on Tuesday night in a game between teams that combined for 40 losses in August.

It was the second time in three games Butler had four RBIs. He homered over the wall in left in the first for a 3-0 lead. Mike Avilez was walked by rookie Gio Gonzalez (1-3) and Jose Guillen reached on left fielder Aaron Cunningham's error.

Zack Greinke (10-9) allowed two runs in seven innings for his first win in five starts, walking one and striking out eight.

Greinke hadn't won since Aug. 2.

Joakim Soria pitched the ninth for his 34th save, and his first since Aug. 15.

It was only the third victory in 15 games for the Royals, who were an AL-worst 7-20 in August. Oakland's 10-20 record was second-worst.

Daric Barton drove in both runs for Oakland and lacked only a double for the cycle.