Royals Hold on for Win

Game Date: July 14, 2007
Royals 6, Indians 5, / Box Score
WP: Meche (6-6), LP: Sabathia (12-4), SV: Dotel (9)
Royal Home Runs: Brown (4)
Royals Record: 39-51

Gil Meche hardly looked like an All-Star last night, but he was just good enough for five innings to keep the Royals in the game long enough to hand things off to one of the best bullpens this organization has ever had. The knock against Meche before he came over was that he walked too many guys and threw too many pitches in the process. He only walked one guy last night, but he did throw 100 pitches in just five innings and he was admittedly tired. Hopefully, he get things figured out before his next start.

The combination of Zack Greinke, Jimmy Gobble, Joakim Soria, and Octavio Dotel allowed just one run over the final four innings and they closed the door on another Indian comeback. It was another exciting finish though. Dotel allowed a out-out double to Grady Sizemore in the ninth with the Royals clinging to a one-run lead. He got the next two guys out though, including Victor Martinez to end the game. Trade talk is beginning to swirl about Dotel, who has shown that he can close games. The Royals probably see him as expendable since Joakim Soria was so good in the closer's role earlier this season and he still has a 2.11 ERA.

Billy Butler had a big two-run double in the first inning and he ended up 3-for-5 for the night. Bell also moved him up to the clean up spot and he looked right at home. If Sweeney's days are numbered in Royal blue, Billy Butler might not ever see the minor leagues again. And with Sweeney on the shelf, it's much easier to accept that fact that we have a 21 year-old designated hitter on the roster.

Emil Brown finally showed a little punch last night, hitting a three-run home run in the third inning to put the Royals out in front 5-0 at the time.

Jorge De La Rosa (7-9, 5.16) goes against Fausto Carmona (10-4, 3.85) tonight. De La Rosa is 1-2 against the Indians in his career with a 7.62 ERA. Carmona is 1-0 against the Royals with a 4.02 ERA.