Timely Hitting Propels Royals

The Royals have more than their share of free swingers. But we also have some guys who can flat hit. Matt Stairs is one of them. With the Royals trailing 7-6 in the top of the ninth with two outs and two guys on base, Stairs pinch hit for Esteban German and worked the count full against A's closer Houston Street. Street didn't want to throw a fastball. In fact, he threw very few to other hitters he face in the inning. He wanted to throw his wicked slider. But Stairs forced him to throw a strike, so Street came with a fastball and Matt lined the ball up the middle and tied the score. A great, great at bat. One that I hope some of our younger guys can learn from.

Mark Grudzielanek is the other guy who knows how to get it done at the plate. In the top of the tenth, with the score tied 7-7, Berroa doubled off of Matt Roney to lead off the inning. Buck laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt up the third base line to advance Berroa. And the A's elected to give DeJesus a free pass to set up the double play. Grudzielanek came up to the plate with one goal in mind—to find a way to get Berroa home. He shortened his swing and knocked the ball over the head of Mark Ellis at second base for an RBI single. And even though Burgos tried to give the game away in the bottom of the tenth, the Royals prevailed 8-7.

The Royals gave Denny Bautista four runs in the first inning, but he still couldn't get the job done. He gave up 6 ER in 4.1 IP and he saw his ERA climb to 5.63. Not good, but in this rotation, good enough to keep his spot for now. Speaking of the rotation, Jeremy Affeldt has been moved to the bullpen and Bobby Keppel has been inserted into the rotation, joining Seth Etherton, Mark Redman, Scott Elarton, and Denny Bautista.

The Royals go for the sweep in Oakland this afternoon. Scott Elarton (1-5, 4.76) goes against Joe Blanton (4-5, 6.02).

Berroa Walk Watch: (the quest for double-digits): 2 walks in 47 games.