With two outs in the bottom of the eighth and the tying run at third base, Saunders coaxed David DeJesus into hitting a sharp ground ball down the third base line. Figgins pivoted, backhanded the ball and threw across the diamond for the out, which preserved the 1-0 Angels win over the Royals.

"That was the play of the game," Saunders said. "That was the savior."

It wasn't the only strong play of the night for Figgins. One inning earlier, Alberto Callaspo hit a shot to third with a runner on first base, and Figgins ignited the 5-4-3 double play to end the inning.

Even on an Angels team full of interchangeable defensive parts, Figgins is the team's most versatile player. He's played six positions (3B, CF, 2B, LF, RF, SS) over his eight seasons in the majors but has lately turned into a top-flight third baseman.

"He's one of those guys that I see every day, so I can appreciate him," Gary Matthews Jr. said. "But how many guys in the league can you plug in at different positions?

"We've been able to plug Chone in wherever we've needed him and he still goes out and handles his business."

APPEALING HOMER CALL

The Royals will file an appeal with Major League Baseball on Monday asking that the inside-the-park home run by Howie Kendrick on Friday be overturned to reflect an error on outfielder Jose Guillen.

With one out in the sixth inning, Kendrick lofted a high fly ball into the right field corner. Guillen seemed to overrun the ball, which landed in fair territory and skirted into the right field corner. Kendrick rounded the bases without a play at the plate, and official scorer Mel Franks immediately ruled the play a home run.

Television replays appeared to show the ball clip Guillen's glove.

"If you want to call it an inside-the-parker, go ahead," Royals starter Gil Meche, who hadn't allowed a home run this season, told reporters after the game. "I'd rather not comment on that one."

The Royals will file a letter and a DVD replay to Major League Baseball, said team vice president of communications and broadcasting Mike Swanson.

KNEE PAINS SHIELDS

Scot Shields was available in the bullpen despite a case of patella tendinitis that has caused him irritation in his knee.

Although Shields said Saturday he was "live, healthy and ready to go," he did have an MRI on his knee recently. The team is awaiting the results.

"He's dealt with it for a while and he's pitched with it for a while," Scioscia said. "We'll evaluate it."

Shields, who has a 9.31 ERA this season in 13 games, was not called upon in the eighth inning of a three-run game Friday against the Royals. Scioscia instead went with Jose Arredondo, who retired the side in order.

CELEBRATIONS

Following the first complete game of his career Thursday, Jered Weaver received a celebratory beer and shaving cream shower from his teammates. On Saturday, Weaver and the Angels did the same to Saunders.

"We got him a little wet," Weaver said with a smirk.

In honor of Darren Oliver's 1,000th career strikeout, the Angels presented their reliever with a vanilla sheet cake adorned with red-icing Ks.

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BIG NUMBER

0.51 . . .ERA of Royals pitcher Zack Greinke, who allowed one run in eight innings to the Angels while picking up his first loss.