Game Date: August 17, 2007
Royals 9, A's 2 / Box Score
WP: Bannister (9-7), LP: Meyer (0-1)
Royal Home Runs: Brown (5)
Royals Record: 54-67
The Royals haven't had a complete game from a starter since August 29, 2006 when Mark Redman shut out the Twins 2-0. Brian Bannister finally ended the streak last night in convincing fashion. The Royals jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning (thanks to an error and a two-run home run by Emil Brown) and Bannister cruised from there. He threw 111 pitches and gave up just two earned runs on four hits.
If you look at Bannister's stats this season (9-7, 3.31 ERA, 1.14 WHIP), he's having a better season than Gil Meche (7-11, 3.90 ERA, 1.33 WHIP). And going into the game last night Bannister had the worst run support of any regular starter in the American League this season. If Kyle Davies can just be decent, we're finally looking at the possibility of having an adequate starting rotation.
Mark Grudzielanek, hitting in the three hole, had another big night, going 2-for-5 with 2 RBI. Billy Butler continues to drive in runs. He was 2-for-4 with 2 RBI and a walk. Every starting position player had at least one hit.
The Royals have caught the White Sox again for fourth place in the AL Central. If the Royals stay on their current pace, they'll win 72 games and I don't think anybody in Kansas City will be disappointed with that. I've been most impressed by the Royals road record this season (26-33) compared to what it was this time last season (17-46).
Tonight, Odalis Perez (7-11, 5.78) will go up against Chad Gaudin (9-8, 4.12). Perez is 0-0 in his career against the A's with a 0.00 ERA in 10.0 innings pitched. Gaudin is 2-1 against the Royals with a 2.22 ERA.
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