Royals Find a Way

It wasn’t pretty and we appeared to be out of the game several times last night, but we found a way to get it done in extra innings after Mark Teahen drew a lead off walk in the tenth. Emil Brown singled and we had runners at the corners. After Berroa hit into a fielder’s choice, Matt Stairs hit a sacrifice fly deep enough to score Teahen from third. Then Joey Gathright doubled to score Brown and the Royals were up 7-5. That score held up when Burgos was able to hang on for the save.

This was another ugly game, and another instance where we fell behind, but were able fight back to win. Falling behind as often as the Royals do is not a good thing, but something has happened to this team since they fought their way back in that 16-12 slugfest with Texas a few weeks ago. They don’t panic anymore. And they don’t give up. Guys seem more content to move runners when the situation warrants it, to swing for the fences when a home run is needed, and to work the count when more base runners are needed.

Teahen continue to turn on the ball. Stairs and Graffanino continue to play well off the bench. Mientkiewicz is showing surprising power. Emil Brown is heating up. Reggie Sanders is staying healthy. DeJesus is in the middle of almost every rally. John Buck is hitting. Grudzielanek continues to play error free ball at second base. And besides the rotation, the only other current problem is Angel Berroa who just doesn’t look like he fits in with this team anymore.

The Royals win yesterday brought their June record to 13-14 and that is sure to help build the confidence of the players. I’m currently in St. Louis visiting family, so I watched the game yesterday on Fox Sports Net with St. Louis announcers. They are quick to point out that these aren’t the same Royals who began the season. They say that these Royals don’t quit. They complimented their new vigor since Moore took over and finally the Royals are the butt of every joke.

No let’s hope they can keep it going. Tonight, Mark Redman (5-4, 5.35) goes against Sidney Ponson (4-3, 4.95).