All sorts of firsts happened last night in New York. The Royals won for the first time in New York since August 6, 2002. The Royals won for the first time in 14 games dating back to May 12th. The Royals won for the first time this seaon against an opponent outside of the AL Central. Angel Berroa walked for the first time this century (okay that's a bit of an exaggeration, but not by much). Scott Elarton got his first win of the season. Jimmy Gobble got his first hold of the season. So did Joe Nelson. And Andrew Sisco picked up his first career save.
But you had to wonder if the Royals would really be able to hold on to their lead when the rains came and they were up 7-5 after eight and a half innings. The bullpen was shot. The guys on the radio didn't seem to have any idea how would pitch the ninth inning. And whoever it was, you just had to be thinking-so how are we going to blow this one? Who are we going to walk to set up the home run? Who's going to boot a ball to allow the tying or winning run to score?
Joe Nelson started the inning and promptly gave up a single to former Royal Terrance Long. Nelson got Damon to fly out. But then he walked Derek Jeter. Gary Sheffield hit a ball to center that Esteban German couldn't come up with on a diving attempt and all of a sudden the score was 7-6 and Jeter was on third with one out. Bell brought in Sisco to face Giambi and thankfully Giambi is slower than a tree. Sisco got him to hit into a game-ending double play and finally the Royals could celebrate a win. And how sweet it is since it came against the evil Yankees.
The Royals will try to make it two in a row when they face the evil Yankees at 3:05 this afternoon. Jeremy Affeldt (2-4, 6.51) goes against Chien-Ming Wang (4-2, 4.43).
Berroa Walk Watch (the quest for double-digits): 2 walks in 44 games.
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