Royals Pummel the Phillies

Game Date: June 10, 2007
Royals 17, Phillies 5 / Box Score
WP: Greinke (3-4), LP: Moyer (5-5)
Royal Home Runs: Pena (1), Grudzielanek (4)
Royals Record: 24-40

Yesterdays game is an example of what happens in a fight when the big guy trips and falls. The little guy jumps on him and starts to pummel him. The accumulated frustration that's been building after being picked on over an extended period of time is all the fuel the little guy needs to continue punching long after he needs to.

Neither starting pitcher could seem to get anybody out. De La Rosa gave up three earned runs in just 3.2 innings and was removed at that point. Jamie Moyer gave up six earned runs in 3.2 innings and he too was removed. Both teams used five pitchers. Not one of the Phillies pitchers escaped without giving up at least one run. Zack Greinke, Joakim Soria, and Octavio Dotel pitched the final four innings of the game for the Royals without giving up any runs.

Mark Grudzielanek came up big at the plate, going 3-for-5 with a home run and 5 RBI. He said that he still feels better facing National League teams since he played in that league for 11 seasons. Four Royals hitters had two hits. And the Royals even walked six times.

So, the Royals won the series, and over the last ten games they are 5-5. That's nothing to get too excited about, but it's a start. The Royals play their next six games at home where they are 11-22 this season. Hopefully, by starting 2-1 on this homestand, they'll find a way to keep the momentum going.

Tomorrow night, the Royals begin a new series against the Cardinals. Brian Bannister (2-3, 3.33) will go up against Brad Thompson (4-1, 4.56). Bannister has never faced the Cardinals. Thompson is 0-0 in his career against the Royals with a 1.50 ERA (in 6.0 innings of work).