KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Daniel Bard had already survived perhaps the wildest inning of his major league career, one that included a pair of balks and a wild pitch, when he headed out for the eighth inning.

He headed right back to the dugout after issuing a pair of walks.

Red Sox reliever Matt Albers came into the game to face Billy Butler, clinging to a one-run lead, and Kansas City’s designated hitter pounced on the third pitch he saw, the three-run homer lifting the Royals to a 6-4 victory over Boston on Tuesday night.

“I thought he was in complete control of the game,” said Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine, who made the decision to send Bard out for the eighth inning.

“After the second inning when he kind of gave away three runs, he was in complete control of the game with all of his pitches,” Valentine said. “I was very surprised to see him walk those hitters. I had Matt ready in case something happened. Something happened.”

Bard (2-4) ended up with a memorable line: He gave up five runs on six hits and four walks, while also throwing a wild pitch and getting called for two balks during the same at-bat.

“I felt great. I felt strong. You get to 90 pitches, I’m not tired to where I think I need to come out of the game,” he said. “There is a fatigue that sets in. It’s about learning how to pitch with that little bit of fatigue. It’s not my arm. My arm felt great.”

Chris Getz and Humberto Quintero also drove in runs for the Royals, who overcame another lousy performance by their starting pitcher to pick up a confidence-boosting win.

Kelvin Herrera and Jose Mijares (2-1) had kept Kansas City in the game after Danny Duffy lasted just 4 1-3 innings. Jonathan Broxton worked the ninth for his sixth save.

Dustin Pedroia had two RBIs and Kelly Shoppach also drove in a run as Boston lost for the sixth time in seven games.

Notes: Boston 3B Kevin Youkilis (back strain) exercised before the game. He’s eligible to come off the DL on Monday, though manager Bobby Valentine isn’t sure if that will happen. CF Jacoby Ellsbury (dislocated right shoulder) also worked out. “This is the beginning of the next step in his program,” Valentine said.