Royals Going for Split in Seattle

The Royals got off to a slow start in Seattle, dropping the first two games of the series 4-0 and 12-1. Seth Etherton was awful in his second start for the Royals (in the 12-0 loss) and we were down 7-0 after the third inning as a result.

The Royals bounced back yesterday and picked up a 9-4 in Seattle and put themselves in a position to get a series split tonight and to go 5-5 on the road trip. If it happens, you've got to feel pretty good considering how atrocious we've been on the road this season.

Mark Redman didn't exactly pitch well yesterday, but well enough to put us in a position to win. He gave up 4 ER in 5.2 IP. And he walked three guys. But he left the game with the Royals leading 9-4. Redman was helped by a two-run home run by John Buck, a solo shot by Emil Brown, and three RBIs by Reggie Sanders. In fact, everybody in the lineup had at least one hit and five guys (DeJesus, Grudzielanek, Sanders, Brown, and Teahen) had two hits.

Elmer Dessens was outstanding in relief, going the final 3.1 innings without giving up any hits or runs. He picked up a save for his efforts and he saw his ERA drop to 4.02. Dessens effort will surely help an already weary bullpen. The Royals won't get another day off until June 19.

The Royals send Mike Wood (3-0, 5.12) to the mound tonight against Gil Meche (4-4, 4.87).

Berroa Walk Watch (the quest for double digits): Angel Berroa shocked the world by picking up another walk this series and now has 3 in 51 games.