Royals at Blue Jays (series II) Recap

The bleeding continued for the Royals during their four game trip to Toronto. The Royals were swept handidly by the birds and the Royals come back to Kansas City riding an 8 game losing streak and are now a season high 7 games out of first.

Game 1: Zack Greinke had his first truly rough game of the year lasting only 5 innings while giving up 6 runs. Halladay on the other hand had no trouble with the Royals struggling line-up, he tossed a complete game allowing only 1 run on 4 hits. Guillen drove in the only run for the Royals with an RBI single in the first.

Player of the Game: Jose Guillin (this is almost charity at this point) he went 1 for 3 with an RBI.

Game 2: The Royals offense remained silent once again as the Royals were blanked by Jesse Litsch. Litsch threw Toronto's second consecutive complete game and he only needed 103 pitches to do it. Hochevar went his normal 6 innings giving up 4 runs.

Player of the Game: Mark Grudzielanek...umm, he did have 2 hits in four at bats.

Game 3: Meche provided the Royals with a goldon opportunity to break this streak but the bats are still playing dead as they only managed 1 run against McGowan. The good news is McGowan only went 7 innings...way to get that starter out early guys!

Player of the Game: John Buck he went 2 for 4...I've got nothing clever to say, this is just sad.

Game 4: It was a banner day for the Royals offense as they scored 2 runs today, that's right, sadly the Royals lost again. Shaun Marcum tossed 7.1 innings allowing only 2 runs on 5 hits. You just have to love being an opposing pitcher facing the Royals, you just know your ERA is going to drop by a point.

Player of the Game: Mark Teahen went 2 for 4 with an RBI-he raised his average to .249.

Look at the numbers:

• The Royals are now 1-11 in four game series
• The Royals were outscored 23-4
• The Royals had 3 extra base hits in 128 at bats
• The Royals had 2 walks in 134 plate apperances
• The Royals defense had 3 errors, including Butlers first
• The Royals pitching gave up 15 walks to 19 strike outs
• The Royals are now 3-12 against the AL East

Royals at Red Sox (series I) recap

The Royals took on the Red Sox in Boston for a four game set and were clearly no match. The Royals were swept in the four game series and now find themselves 5.5 games out of first.

Game 1: Luke Hochevar ran into some bad luck in his first start in Boston, first Grudz dropped an easy pop up which lead to a 5 run 3rd inning, and second he faced Jon Lester. Lester had little problem with the Royals allowing only a couple of walks in completing the first no-hitter against the Royals since 1973.

Player of the game: I've never done this, but you have to give credit where credit is due...Jon Lester, enough said.

Game 2: This is the one that got away...sort of. The Royals trailed the entire game as Meche allowed 2 early but the Royals had several chances to get a run across. The Royals left 13 men on base and none hurt more than when in the 8th the Royals stranded runners at 1st & 3rd with only 1 out.

Player of the game: Gil Meche, he pitched 7 innings allowing only 5 hits and 2 runs while striking out 8; he also picked up his 6th loss.

Game 3: Tomko started out well, allowing only 1 run through his first 4 innings. Things changed in the 5th when Tomko was hit for 4 runs-Tomko wouldn't see the 6th innings. Down 5-2 the punch less Royals offense was finished. What made this loss painful was that Bartolo Colon was making his first start of the year.

Player of the game: Alex Gordon, he went 1 for 2 with an RBI and 2 walks.

Game 4: The Royals offense finally showed up scoring 8 runs, thanks in large part to Guillin and Olivo. The bad news is that Bannister got hit hard giving up 7 runs in 5.1 innings, he also gave up his second gram slam of the year. Boston would hit another grand salomi as the cruised to an easy 11-8 win.

Player of the game: Miguel Olivo, he went 3 for 5 with 2 doubles and a home run and 5 RBI.

Angels @ Royals (series II) Recap

The Anaheim Angels (22-14) took two of three from the Royals (15-18) in Kansas City. The three game set concludes the season series for the two clubs, that's right, the Royals and Angels won't face each other this season.

Game 1: Brett Tomko threw his best game of the season, going 7 innings allowing 0 ER on 2 hits. Still the Royals lost the game 4-0 as Ervin Santana pitched a complete game shutout-allowing only 4 hits. Anderson, for the Angels, did most of the damage with a 9th inning 3-run shot off Joel Peralta.

Player of the game: Brett Tomko, looked amazing allowing only 2 hits and no runs in 7 innings while striking out a season high 7.

Game 2: Bannister had another rough start allowing 5 runs in 6.2 innings and the Royals struggled to score runs (surprise surprise) against rookie Adenhart as the Royals lost again 5-3. Bannister's problem for the second week in a row was the long ball as he gave up a 3-run shot to Anderson in the 4th that got the Angels rolling. The Royals had 4 doubles, 1 a piece by Gload, Gordon, Olivo, and Butler.

Player of the game: Alex Gordon went 2 for 3 with a double and an RBI, he also had a walk.

Game 3: The bats finally break out for the Royals as they beat the Angels 9-4 in the final game of the series. David DeJesus had a 3-run homer in the second, and Gordon added a 2-run shot in the 4th; Guillen also went 3-3 with a pair of doubles. Greinke earned his 4th win pitching 7 strong innings allowing 3 runs and striking out 8.

Player of the game: David DeJesus continued hitting well going 1 for 4 with 3 RBI and a walk.

Look at the numbers:

1. 2-3, the Royals season record against the Angels.
2. The Angels outscored the Royals in the series 18-20.
3. The Royals were shutout for the 4th time this year.
4. Bannister lost his 4th straight game, his ERA is now 4.48.
5. Garret Anderson went 6-12 with 3 HR and 8 RBI in the series.
6. DeJesus now leads the Royals in RBI with 16 in only 19 games.
7. The Royals are 15-18 and only 2 games back in the Central.

Royals at Indians (series II) Recap

The Royals, who were swept by Cleveland in their first meeting, got revenge over the weekend by sweeping a rain shortened series. The Royals won the two games in similar fashion, good pitching with just enough offense.

Game 1: Luke Hochevar got his second straight win by pitching 6 innings allowing only 2 runs. Sabathia was on the mound for the Indians and dominated until the Royals finally broke through with 4 runs in the 7th. The Royals ended the game with 12 hits and won 4-2. Soria pitched the 9th and recorded his 7th save.

Player of the game: Luke Hochevar, he wasn't dominate but he was good throwing 6 innings allowing only 3 hits and 2 runs-he did walk 4 however.

Game 2: Meche pitched his best game of the season, and combined with Nunez and Soria to complete a shutout against the Indians. The offense scored only 2 runs against Cleveland, one un-earned, the other a 9th inning home run by Olivo.

Player of the game: Gil Meche, 7 innings pitched, 4 hits and 0 ER.

Look at the numbers:

1. This is only the Royals second sweep of the season in 6 opportunity's.
2. Gil Meche's ERA of 5.98 is his lowest of the season since being at 4.50 after his first start.
3. The Indians outscored the Royals 26-7 in their sweep, the Royals outscored the Indians 6-2 in their 2-game sweep.
4. The Royals are 2 games out of first and stand at 2 games under .500.
5. The Royals are 7-7 against the AL Central.

Royals at Rangers (series I) Recap

After taking two of three against the Blue Jays the Royals went to Arlington to face the last place Rangers. Sadly the last place Rangers took care of the last place Royals and beating our boys two out of three.

Game 1: The Royals scored early and often (I think that's the first time all year that I've got to say that) and handled the Rangers 9-5. Brett Tomko couldn't take advantage for the easy win, instead he went 3.1 innings allowing 5 runs on 7 hits. The bullpen pitched 5.2 shutout innings. Guillen provided the lion's share of the offense going 2-4 with 5 RBI

Player of the game: Jose Guillen, he had a double and a home run, tying a career high with 5 RBI.

Game 2: The Rangers got to Bannister early hitting 3 home runs in 2 innings; the killer blow was a grand slam by Josh Hamilton in the 2nd. Bannister exited after 3 innings with the Royals down 7-1. The Rangers extended their lead to 11-1 before the Royals clawed their way back only to lose in the end 11-9.

Player of the game: David DeJesus, he had just one hit, a 3-run home run but he got the Royals comeback kick-started.

Game 3: Zack Greinke pitched possibly his best game of the season throwing 7 innings and giving up 2 runs, he also struck out a season high 9. If you've followed the Royals though you know where this is going, the Royals lose 2-1 on a total lack of offense by our whiffle bat swinging Royals.

Player of the game: Zack Greinke, 7 IP, 2 ER with 9 K's; season ERA of 1.47.

Royals host Blue Jays (series I)

It's been a busy week and I've fallen a bit behind on the blogging, so I want to apologize to my readers (all seven of you). Ok, now with that behind me, let's take a look at the Royals last home stand, more specifically the Blue Jays series.

The Royals returned home a week ago after completing a rough road trip in which the Royals went 2-5 and dropped out of first place. They first faced Cleveland, who promptly handled the Royals in three straight games, and extended the Royals loosing streak to 7 games. It was a bad week, no doubt about it, we all saw the Royals go from first to worst, but could the rebound against the Jays?

Game 1: Zack Greinke continued his strong start to the season by throwing 7 innings and allowing 1 run. Nunez pitched the eighth and allowed three runs, his first of the year in blowing the save. Down 4-2 the offense finally got to work scoring an amazing six runs in route to an 8-4 win.

Player of the game: David DeJesus was 2-4 with a walk and 3 RBI

Game 2: Luke Hochevar got the first win of his career by pitching 6 strong innings and allowing only 1 run. Hochevar was pitching with runners on all game but he got outs when it counted. Mahey, Nunez, Ramirez pitched the 7th and 8th and Soria notched his 6th save in 6 chances. The offense did just enough and Guillen hit his 2nd home run of the season, and the Royals won 2-1.

Player of the game: Luke Hochevar went 6 innings allowing 6 hits and 1 run and scored his first win.

Game 3: Going for the sweep the Royals sent struggling ace, Gil Meche to the mound. Meche pitched well, allowing 3 runs in 6.2 innings. The offense again let the team down scoring only 2 runs, both on an RBI single by David DeJesus. The Royals dropped the finale 5-2.

Player of the game: David DeJesus, he didn't do much but he did have both RBI in going 1-4 on the day.

Look at the numbers:

1. $11 million dollar man Gil Meche continues to struggle and is sporting an ugly 7.22 ERA.
2. DeJesus had 5 RBI in the series, 41% of the runs scored.
3. The Royals are now have 1 sweep in 5 chances.
4. The Royals offense now ranks last in runs scored at 82, the MLB average is 117 runs.
5. Speaking of lousy offense, how about 3.28 runs per game so far for the Royals.
6. Royals are 19th in baseball in average (.253), 26th in OBP (.305), and 28th in SLG (.346)
7. The Royals pitching fell from 14th to 20th in the league with a 4.42 ERA

Royals at A's (series I) Recap

The Royals wrapped up their road trip in dismal fashion as they suffered a sweep at the hands of the swingin' A's. The Royals finish the road trip at 9-10 and are under .500 for the first time this season, the A's are now at 12-8.

Game 1: Brian Bannister pitched well early and clinged to a 2-1 lead going into the 6th, and then the wheels fell off as 4 runs scored, all earned and all belonging to Bannister. Mahey and Peralta pitched 2 innings of scoreless ball before Yabuta and Nomo got hammered for 8 runs in an inning. The offense only managed 2 runs on 4 hits as the Royals suffered their worst loss of the season 13-2.

Player of the game: I never thought it would be so hard to announce a player of the game, but here goes...Billy Butler he had an RBI and went 1-4 on the night.

Game 2: Zack Greinke looked to break the Royals 2 game loosing streak and things were looking good early as the Royals spotted Greinke a 4-0 lead. Guillen hit his first homer of the year, a 3-run shot and Olivo added his second homer in the 2nd. Oaklands offense got it going in the 5th scoring 3 runs, in part due to an error by Pena, and from there it just got worse as the A's scored in the next 2 innings to earn a 6-5 win.

Player of the game: Jose Guillen, he finally hit his first home run going 2-4 with a double and 3 RBI

Game 3: Luke Hochevar making his first start of the year followed in Bannister and Greinke's foot steps by pitching well early before getting hit in the middle innings. The Royals were up 1-0 in the 4th before Oakland's offense got it in gear scoring 4 runs...more than enough to handle the Royals and their helpless offense. Final score: 7-1

Player of the game: Ack, this is harder then game 1...I'll go with Leo Nunez. Nunez pitched a scoreless 8th striking out 2 and keeping his ERA at 0.00 for the year.

Look at the numbers:

• Bannister allowed 5 runs Friday after allowing only 3 his previous 3 starts combined.
• Greinke allowed 2 earned runs Saturday, that matches his total from his previous 3 starts.
• Guillen had 7 hits on the road trip, 5 were for extra bases.
• Guillen and Gordon are tied with 9 RBI, tops on the team.
• The Royals were out hit 42-15.
• The Royals were out scored 26-8.
• The Royals now have 8 blown leads on the season compared to 3 come backs.
• The Royals have allowed 38 runs in innings 4-6 and 39 through the other 6 innings.
• The Royals are now 28th in the league in runs scored, 24th in OBP, and 27th in SLG
• The Royals pitching is now 14th in the league

Royals at Angels (series I) Recap

Continueing their West Coast trip the Royals took on the Angels for a quick two game set. The Royals coming into the series were at 8-6 and the Angels stood at 9-6.

Game 1: Meche earned that elusive first victory by pitching 6 innings and gave up 2 runs. The bullpen was great...again, in pitching 3 scoreless innings. The offense did just enough to beat the Angels 3-2 as the top of the order was 8-14.

Player of the game: Joey Gathright, he sat the table all game going 3-5 with a run scored and a stolen base.

Game 2: Tomko pitched fairly well in a 5-3 loss as the Angels avoided the sweep. Tomko went 7 innings giving up 3 runs in the 3rd and 2 more in the 5th. The Royals offense didn't bother to show up and I'm beginning to wonder if this team has any pop in its bats.

Player of the game: Alex Gordon, 2-3 with a run scored and a walk.

Look at the numbers:

• .275 team batting average good for 5th in MLB
• .325 team on base percentage good for 19th in MLB
• .370 team slugging percentage good for 23rd in MLB
• 3.17 team earned run average good for 3rd in MLB
• .995 team fielding percentage good for 1st in MLB
• The Royals are scoring in only 25% of the innings played (36/143)
• The Royals were outscored 7-5 but outhit the Angels 24-16
• Meche ERA after 4 starts: 6.08
• Tony Pena Jr. BAVG. .114
• The Royals have taken 6 of 7 from the Angels dating to last year

Royals at Seattle (series I) Recap

The Royals began their second road trip of the season by heading to the great northwest and taking on the Seattle Mariners. The Royals heading into the series were 7-5 and the Mariners were 6-7.

Game 1: Zack Greinke improved his record to 3-0 on the season by pitching a complete game and allowing only 1 run- his ERA actually went up to .75. The offense got off to a quick start in the 2nd with home runs from Butler and Olivo and never looked back.

Player of the game: Zack Grienke, was dominate all night earning his third straight victory.

Game 2: What a difference a day makes. John Bale got rocked by giving up 5 runs in 3 innings and the bullpen for the first time this season got hit as well; mostly thanks to one Hideo Nomo (1 inning 4 ER). The Offense scored a season high 6 runs in a losing effort.

Look at the numbers:

• Billy Butler had his hitting streak halted at 13 games.
• John Bale has now allowed 28 base runners in 15.1 innings
• David DeJesus went 3-7 in his first action since game 1
• Royals were 1-3 in stolen base attempts
• Teahen was 2-10 with 9 LOB
• Tony Pena had 4 hits in 8 AB's after going 0-26

Royals host Twins (series II) Recap

The Twinkies came to Kansas City with the Royals and their fans high on life after taking 2 of three from the Yankees. The good feelings were not going to last as the bats didn't show up and the Royals lost the first 2 games, they salvaged the last game of the series and finished the first home stand 3-3.

Game 1: Gil Meche's early struggles continued as he gave up 5 runs in 6 innings and he lost his second match with Hernandez and the Twins 5-0. Meche was followed by Yabuta and Ramirez as they pitched 3 innings of shutout relief. The offense obviously didn't show and Guillen in particular was terrible going 0 for 4 with 2 k's and 5 LOB.

Player of the game: Alex Gordon, 2-4 raising his average to .317.

Game 2: Brett Tomko was the stopper last week ending a 2-game losing streak, this time he wasn't so successful as the Royals got shut out again 2-0. Tomko however, pitched well allowing just 2 runs in 6 innings. Ramirez, Mahey and Nunez followed with 3 scoreless innings.

Player of the game: Brett Tomko, who expected a a 2.08 record in 2 starts?

Game 3: Brian Bannister got the start in the finale and he was fantastic throwing a complete game allowing only an un-earned run to score. The bullpen got a much needed day off and the offense finally re-appeared scoring (gasp) 5 runs.

Player of the game: Brian Bannister, he pitched the Royals first complete game and halted the losing at 3 games.

Look at the numbers:

• Meche is now sporting an ugly 7.13 ERA
• Meche has allowed 29 base-runners in 17.2 innings
• 18 scorless innings Twins pitchers tossed at the Royals (26 overall)
• 12 consecutive games Billy Butler has hit in so far
• Alex Gordon didn't hit his third home run last year until May 23rd
• The Royals were outscored 8-5 in the series yet out hit the Twins 21-20
• 1/2, the number of games out of 1st place the Royals are.
  

Royals host Yankees (series I) Recap

The Royals got a tough draw to start their home opener as the Yankees came for their only visit to the K. Coming off a 4-2 road trip that featured a sweep of the Tigers and then losing 2 of 3 to the Twins this was a good test for the Royals.

Game 1: Brian Bannister got off to a rough start but battled back and pitched 5 innings allowing 2 runs and the Royals offense scored a season high 5 runs, capped by a 2 run single by Gload in the 5th.

Player of the game: Brian Bannister, he battled through an un-even strike zone and gave the Royals a chance to win.

Game 2: With rain falling most of the game Zack Greinke pitched a fantastic game throwing 8 shutout innings. Girardi fearing rain scratched starter Ian Kennedy and went to the bullpen to start the game with mixed results. John Buck hit a monster home run in the 5th as the Royals win 4-0.

Player of the game: Zack Greinke, was absurd in 8 innings of work allowing 6 hits and 2 walks and 0 runs.

Game 3: Going for the sweep the Royals send left-hander John Bale to the mound against Royal killer Andy Pettitte, and Pettitte did what he does best and that is hold the Royals offense in check. The Yankees avoided the sweep and beat the Royals 6-1.

Player of the game: Mark Teahen (3-4 with a run scored)

Look at the numbers:

• Royals outscored the Yankees 10-8.
• For the first time this year the bullpen allowed more than 1 ER in a series.
• Zack Greinke's ERA after 2 starts: 0.60.
• 6, the number of runs the Yankees scored Thursday, the most allowed by the Royals to date.
• The Royals collected 10 walks, this after 0 in their last series.
• The Royals offense is averaging 3.55 runs a game.
  

Royals at Twins (series I) recap

Coming off a sweep of the Tigers in Detroit the Royals came back to earth losing 2 of 3 to the Twins and will finally have their home opener Monday against the Yankees.

Game 1: John Bale started the series off pitching 6.1 innings and allowing 4 runs but Scott Baker was a run better as the Twins edged the Royals 4-3. Bale was followed by perfect appearances from Gobble and Ramirez.

Player of the game: Billy Butler; he was 2-4 with an RBI.

Game 2: Gil Meche was rocked for 6 runs in 5.2 innings as the Royals lost their second straight 6-4. Meche was followed by the first appearances of both Mahey and Yabuta.

Player of the game: Miguel Olivo; 1-4 with a 2-run double.

Game 3: Brett Tomko went 5 innings of 1 run ball in his first start of the season and the Royals offense did just enough to escape with a 3-1 win over the Twins. Mahey, Nunez, Gobble and Soria followed Tomko. Gordon provided the offense with a 2-run single in the 2nd.

Player of the game: Brett Tomko, the Royals needed a stop and Tomko did just that.

Unheralded player of the game: Jokaim Soria, he only got into one game, but he was dominate striking out the side for his 3rd save.

Look at the numbers:

• The Royals didn't draw a walk all series, a span of 102 AB's
• The Bullpen allowed 1 ER in 8 IP over the series
• 6.94, Gil Meche's ERA after 2 starts
• .167, Jose Guillens batting average
• 1 the number of errors to date
• The Royals didn't have a winning road trip until May 11th-20th of '07

Royals at Tigers (series one) recap

Who would have predicted that the Kansas City Royals would come out and sweep the overly-hyped Tigers to open the season? The Royals came out and played solid fundamental baseball and they out pitched, hit, and hustled the Tigers.


Game 1: Meche battled through 6 innings giving up three runs, he was followed by Tomko, Nunez and Soria. Gordon provided the early offense with a 2-run shot in the 6th. Royals hold on to win 5-4 in 11 innings.


Player of the game: Alex Gordon; his two run shot got the Royals on the board and rattled Verlander.


Game 2: Brian Bannister was the story of this game going 7 innings allowing 0 ER and only 2 hits, he was followed by Nunez and Soria. Grudzeilanek, Guillen, and Butler each had a double in the 6th accounting for the Royals first 2 runs. Royals win 4-0, in getting their first shut-out of the year.


Player of the game: Brian Bannister; he was amazing, enough said.


Game 3: Zach Greinke kept the good pitching performances going by throwing 7 strong innings allowing only 1 ER. Greinke was following by Ramirez, and Soria. The offense was again started by Gordon going yard in the 4th, a two run shot. The Royals scored single runs in the 6th (Teahens 1st HR) and 7th en route to a 4-1 win and completed the sweep.


Player of the game: Zack Greinke; he was solid, especially when runners were on base.


Unheralded player(s) of the series: Mark Grudzeilanek (6-12, 3 runs) and Joakim Soria. (3IP, 4K's, 2 saves)

Look at the numbers:

• Royals are 3-0 for the first time since 2003
• The Royals didn't win a series last year until April 20-22nd against the Twins
• Royals allowed only 5 ER's in 29 Innings while striking out 24 K's/9 BB's
• Royals outscored the Tigers 13-5
• Royals out homered the Tigers 3-2
• Royals out hit the Tigers 29-21
• Royals don't play the Tigers again until May 13th
• Royals were 3-4 in SB attempts

Notes: David DeJesus only played 3 innings due to re-injuring his ankle.