Brian Cramer went 5 1/3 innings to win his major league debut as the visiting Oakland Athletics topped the Kansas City Royals 3-1 in the opener of a three-game series Monday.

Jack Cust belted a solo home run to back the pitching of the 30-year-old Cramer, who spent most of this year pitching in the Mexican League.

Cramer (1-0) allowed one run on four hits in 5 1/3 innings, striking out four and walking one. His only mistake was surrendering a solo homer to Mike Aviles (three hits) in the fourth inning.

Four Oakland relievers bridged the gap to closer Andrew Bailey, who registered his 24th save.

Cust went deep off reliever Bryan Bullington in the sixth inning. It was his first homer since Aug. 24, ending an 18-game drought.

Luke Hochevar (5-5) allowed an unearned run in each of the first two innings despite not giving up a hit. He was charged with two runs and two hits in five innings and fell to 0-5 lifetime vs. the A’s.

Hochevar was making his second appearance and first start since June 11 for Kansas City, which lost for the sixth time in seven games.