Game 108: Kansas City @ Oakland

Game Date: July 29, 2008
Royals 5, A's 2 / Box Score
WP: Meche (9-9), LP: Smith (5-10), SV: Soria (29)
Royal Home Runs: Aviles (6), Buck (8)
Royals Record: 49-59

For the third straight time, Gil Meche went deep into a game while keeping his opponent in check. He's picked up three wins in a row and has evened his record at 9-9. After the game he credited Zack Greinke's performance the night before. Meche said that he watched Greinke's video before his start and saw how effective Greinke was when he went after guys. Meche's ERA continues to drop and his once disappointing season is changing into another solid season.

Mark Grudzielanek put the Royals on the scoreboard first with a sacrifice fly to left in the fourth inning that scored Mike Aviles. Then, with the game tied 1-1 in the sixth, Aviles crushed his sixth home run of the season (a solo shot) that put the Royals back in front. In the seventh, John Buck hit a long three-run home run to left center and that was plenty of run support for Meche and staff.

Ron Mahay picked up his 18th hold of the season on an 8-pitch eighth inning and Joakim Soria came in for the ninth and picked up his 29th save of the season.

The Royals look to sweep the A's in Oakland this afternoon for the first time in 20 years. Brian Bannister (7-9, 5.40) will go up against Sean Gallagher (4-4, 4.03). Bannister is 1-1 in his career against the A's with a 4.05 ERA in 20.0 IP. Gallagher has never faced the Royals.