Royals Salvage Final Game

Game Date: August 16, 2007
Royals 6, Rangers 2 / Box Score
WP: Braun (1-0), LP: Eyre (4-6)
Royal Home Runs: Gordon (11)
Royals Record: 53-67

What can you say about a bullpen that pitches the final six innings of a game, picking up an injured starter in the process, and only gives up one earned run? Ryan Braun got his first major league victory and the Royals avoided a three game sweep in Arlington.

The Royals were down 2-1 in the seventh inning when Alex Gordon hit a solo home run to tie it. Mark Teahen broke the tie in the eighth with a fielder's choice that got Mark Grudzielanek in. And John Buck blew the game open with a bases loaded double that drove in three runs.

I liked the way the line up looked last night. Since a lefty was on the mound, Bell had German hit leadoff and moved DeJesus to the two hole. Grud isn't exactly a prototypical number three, but he handles the bat well and you always get the feeling that he's going to come through in the clutch. He was 3-for-5 last night. Billy Butler looks good in the clean up spot. And Teahen probably feels less pressure hitting number five. If you look at the line up it went, R-L-R-R-L-R-L-R-R.

Leo Nunez has been bit by the injury bug again. This time it's a blister. He says that he'll be okay for his next start. Hopefully that's the case.

Tonight, the Royals will be in Oakland to begin a four-game wrap around series. Brian Bannister (8-7, 3.41) will go against Dan Meyer (0-0, 0.00).