Losing Streak Ends

The losing streak is finally over. The Royals hammered the Indians tonight 11-5, boosted by timely hitting, and an abnormally wild Paul Byrd. And while Joe Mays pitched well for the first few innings, he started falling behind guys. And, with a 7-run lead in the fifth inning, he started walking guys. Bell removed him with two outs in the fifth inning and Mays wasn't happy. To a degree I can understand why he wasn't happy, but I hope he was dissatisfied with himself. He's the one who walked guys with a huge lead.

Mike Wood came on in relief and pitched 4.1 innings without giving up any earned runs. He changed speeds nicely and often had hitters guessing. Wood seems to be a perfect fit for such outings and while he actually got the win, he really saved the game for the Royals. After Mays gave up four runs in the fifth inning, you couldn't help thinking that we'd find a way to lose this game. Thankfully, that didn't happen.

Mark Teahen didn't play tonight because he has a sore throwing arm. Sounds like he'll get the day off tomorrow as well. Esteban German took his spot at third and looked out of place. I can see Graf getting the start there tomorrow. Shane Costa still doesn't look comfortable in center. He doesn't seem to be able to pick up the ball. He misplayed a ball out there again tonight and it fell in for a double. As much as Shane is hitting, I still think we need to bring Guiel up to take over center until DeJesus gets back. Guiel hit his sixth home run of the season in Omaha tonight.

This afternoon, we got word that Runelvys Hernandez will probably be activated and start the game on Wednesday against the Twins in Kansas City. I have no clue what the Royals are thinking on this one. Hernandez is 1-2 with a 10.67 ERA in Omaha. Why not wait to see if he can get his ERA under double digits before bringing him up?

Tomorrow, we're sending Jeremy Affeldt (0-2, 8.10) against Jason Johnson (2-0, 1.83 ERA). Let's make it two in a row.