Bannister Sharp in Royals Win

Game Date: June 6, 2007
Royals 4, Indians 3 / Box Score
WP: Bannister (2-3), LP: Byrd (6-2), SV: Dotel (2)
Royal Home Runs: Shealy (3)
Royals Record: 22-38

The Royals jumped out to an early lead in this one when David DeJesus doubled in Joey Gathright in the third inning. Mark Teahen singled in DeJesus and the Royals were up 2-0. Ryan Shealy hit a solo home run in the fourth and in the fifth he hit into a fielder's choice to drive in Mark Grudzielanek to give the Royals a 4-0 lead.

That was all Brian Bannister needed. He was outstanding over the course of seven innings. He gave up no earned runs on five hits. He also didn't give up any walks, which was nice to see. The Indians clawed their way back into the game though after Bannister left. Zack Greinke gave up an earned run and so did Dotel in the ninth, but thankfully the Royals held on to prevail.

I was so happy to see Angel Berroa sent back down to Omaha. I'm not sure that Joey Gathright is the long term answer to any question, but he is fast and plays good defense. And he had two hits last night. Sounds like the plan is to play him in left field once in a while to give Emil Brown a break.

This afternoon, Odalis Perez (3-5) goes against Fausto Carmona (6-1, 3.29). Perez is 1-0 against the Indians in his career with a 3.60 ERA. Carmona is 0-0 against the Royals with a 6.23 ERA.