ST Game #29

Game Date: March 28, 2008
Royals 4, Brewers 1 / Box Score
Royals Spring Training Record: 16-13

By winning last night, the Royals ensured themselves of having a winning spring. I wish I could say that winning in the spring usually equates to a quick start for the Royals in the regular season, but we all know that's not true. But we can always hope that this year is different.

Brian Bannister had his best start of the spring in this one, giving up just one earned run on six hits and no walks in five innings. He said this after the game:

"The goal was to get better in every single start in spring training. It did work out. I know it doesn't always work like that. But that was the goal. I kept the ball down today. I mixed all of my pitches in. It was really just a good-quality outing.

"That's exactly the kind of momentum I wanted going into the season."

Joey Gathright had something to do with this win too. He led off the game with a bunt single, then stole second base, and later scored on a Jose Guillen single. In the second inning, Gathright had a two-out RBI single to give the Royals a 3-0 lead. Gathright has done everything the club has asked him to do this spring, and maybe more, but that doesn't always lead to a spot on the team. He's certainly making a strong case for doing so though, isn't he?

Mark Teahen stole two bases, his first two of the spring

The bullpen looked solid for the first time in a while. Yabuta, Salmon, Mahay, Soria, and Nunez (who got the save) pitched the final four innings of the game without giving up any runs. In fact they gave up just two hits and no walks, while striking out six.

Zack Greinke gets the start in Milwaukee this afternoon. This is the final Spring Training game for the Royals. They are off tomorrow and open the season in Detroit on Monday.