Kansas City, Mo. ? Buddy Bell’s 100th victory as Kansas City’s manager kept the Royals from getting closer to another triple-digit milestone – one they don’t want to reach.

By beating the Seattle Mariners, 10-8, on Thursday night, the Royals guaranteed themselves a better finish than their 56-106 record in 2005. If they win six of their remaining 15 games, they will avoid becoming the first non-expansion team to lose 100 games in three straight years since the 1952-54 Pittsburgh Pirates.

“It was a good night, especially the way it started,” said Bell, whose team trailed 3-0 after two innings. “It could have gotten out of control early, but it didn’t.”

The last franchise with triple-digit losses for three straight years was Toronto in 1977-79.

Ryan Shealy homered twice and drove in a career-high five runs and Esteban German went 3-for-5 with three RBIs for the Royals.

Shealy hit a two-run homer in the third inning off starter Jarrod Washburn (8-14). Then, after Emiliano Fruto replaced Washburn with two on and one out in the fifth, Shealy drove the first pitch over the left field fence to cap a four-run inning and put the Royals up 7-5. It was the first multihomer game of his career.

Kansas City's Ryan Shealy watches his two-run home run in the third inning.

“I’m working hard every day,” said Shealy, who had been stuck behind Colorado first baseman Todd Helton before the Royals acquired him in a July 31 trade. “It’s not easy to come to the big leagues right away and immediately show power. I’ve been battling hard since I got here, and hopefully we’ll see more games like tonight.”

Royals starter Odalis Perez (2-3) came out after giving up Kenji Johjima’s single to lead off the sixth inning.

Two walks by Scott Dohmann, including an intentional pass to Suzuki, loaded the bases with one out.

Beltre’s single scored Johjima, but Suzuki overran second and Jose Lopez was thrown out at the plate trying to convert the ensuing rundown into a run. Dohmann then struck out Yuniesky Betancourt to end the inning.