Smith Homers Twice in Win

Game Date: August 18, 2007
Royals 7, A's 3 / Box Score
WP: Perez (8-11), LP: Gaudin (9-9)
Royal Home Runs: Smith 2 (4), Gload (5)
Royals Record: 55-67

Odalis Perez had another five inning start and another five inning win--thanks largely to Jason Smith who hit two two-run home runs. Ross Gload also homered. The Royals pounded out 14 hits, 10 of which came against Chad Gaudin.

Joel Peralta stumbled a bit in his relief appearance, giving up three earned runs, but David Riske, Zack Greinke, and Joakim Soria only allowed one hit total over the final 3.1 innings.

This was the third win in a row for the Royals and that puts them at 3-2 on this road trip. They are 17-17 since the All-Star break--which includes seven games against the evil Yankees and three against the Red Sox. And they also passed the White Sox yesterday to take over fourth place in the AL Central.

This afternoon, Kyle Davies (1-1, 5.52) will go up against Lenny DeNardo (7-6, 3.29). Davies is 0-0 in his career against the A's with a 6.35 ERA in 5.2 innings of work. DiNardo is 1-0 against the Royals with a 4.50 ERA in 4.0 innings of work.