APPIER BEATS ANGELS WITH SUBPAR STUFF : KANSAS CITY 8, ANGELS 5.

Byline: Associated Press 

Kevin Appier has learned that when he doesn't have his fire, he can finesse.

Kevin Appier (13-10) scattered nine hits in eight innings Saturday, and Mike Macfarlane homered and drove in three runs as the Kansas City Royals beat the Angels 8-5, handing them their sixth straight loss.

Appier, a former Antelope Valley High and Antelope Valley College star, struck out eight and moved into second place in the American League with 197.

``My mechanics kind of fell apart today,'' Appier said. ``They were better after the fifth inning.''

Macfarlane went 3 for 4. He singled in a three-run fourth, hit his 17th homer in the fifth and added a two-run single in the seventh.

Jason Dickson (1-3), making his fifth start since being recalled Aug. 21 from Triple-A Vancouver, pitched six innings for the Angels.

Appier, who was involved in a contract dispute for much of this season, finished last year at 15-10.

``I have been a lot more consistent this year,'' he said. ``Hopefully, I can finish well. I feel healthy and my stuff has been working well lately.''

``Appier did a pretty good job without his knockout stuff,'' Kansas City manager Bob Boone said. ``He is learning more about himself and how to get through a game without his dynamite stuff.''

The Angels took a 1-0 lead in the third when Darin Erstad singled and later scored on Chili Davis' grounder.

Macfarlane's single started the fourth. Mike Sweeney singled home a run, David Howard's bunt single scored another run and Jose Offerman singled home the third run.

Kansas City used five walks, two of them intentional, a sacrifice fly and two hits to score four times in the seventh.

Notes: Offerman stole two bases for the first time this season. He has 19 steals this year. . . . Angels center fielder Jim Edmonds left the game in the sixth inning with an aggravated left abdominal muscle.