Royals at A's (game II)

The Royals play the middle game of the series today in a 3:05 start as Zack Greinke (3-0, 0.75 ERA) looks to end the Royals 2-game losing streak. Rookie Greg Smith (1-0, 2.08 ERA) will take the mound for the swingin' A's.

Box Score

Zack Greinke and the Royals were off to a quick start running out to a 4-0 lead after 4 innings, then the wheels feel off. In the bottom of the 5th Greinke got into trouble giving up a lead off double to Barton followed by a walk, followed by a 1 out RBI single by former Royal Emil Brown. Ryan Sweeney then hit a double play ball to Pena at short; Pena quickly booted the ball and all parties were safe.

Ramirez took over in the 6th and surrendered the tying run in his inning of work. Peralta followed and allowed 2 runs in .1 of an inning and was rescued by Gobble. Yabuta pitched a perfect 9th.

There were some positives on offense as Guillen homered for the first time all season, a three run shot in the 1st, and Olivo connected on his second of the year in the 2nd. Then, as usual, the offense went into a prolonged slump at the plate not scoring again until the 9th.