Winning Streak Ends

So much for the winning streak. Getting behind in games early and often isn’t the greatest game plan. And while it’s not actually part of the game plan, it sure looks that way. Our starters continue to give up runs in the first and second inning, and Bobby Keppel did it again last night, but this time, the Royals weren’t able to overcome it and they lost 7-2.

Keppel gave up 5 ER, on 8 H, in 2.1 IP. He seemed to believe that the Brewers hit good pitches. Bell seemed to think that Keppel was up in the zone. Either way, he gave up way too many runs. Affeldt was good in relief—giving up just one run in 4 innings, but the Royals couldn’t get the bats going. Although Doug Mientkiewicz did have two hits, and John Buck had three.

In fact, here’s a sentence I didn’t think I’d ever say—John Buck is on fire right now. He was 3-for-3 last night. He was 2-for-2 on Thursday. And he was 1-for-2 on Tuesday. He’s hitting the ball the other way and his stroke looks quite confident right now. His numbers this season are even respectable: 5 HR, 21 RBI (a little low), a .256 AVG, and a .322 OBP.

Berroa got the night off. Bell said it was a planned day of rest for Berroa. And maybe it was, but I think the fans needed a rest from Berroa as well.

Tonight, Brandon Duckworth (0-1, 3.18) goes against Doug Davis (4-4, 4.69).