Game 114: Boston @ Kansas City

Game Date: August 5, 2008
Red Sox 8, Royals 2 / Box Score
WP: Beckett (10-8), LP: Bannister (7-10)
Royal Home Runs: None
Royals Record: 53-61

Given the way Brian Bannister has been struggling as of late, I didn't have a great feeling about this pitching match up going in. Banny hasn't won a game since June 23 against Colorado. His ERA in July was 7.20. And he hasn't gone more than 5.1 innings since July 9. He lasted just four innings last night, while giving up three earned runs on six hits and two walks. He threw 87 pitches. We know that he's better than this. He was 12-9 last season with a 3.87 ERA in 27 starts. But you have to wonder how much longer he'll have a chance to turn things around before Hillman removes him from the rotation.

Leo Nunez continues to struggle as well. He gave up three runs on six hits in 1.1 innings yesterday.

Unfortunately, the Royals just couldn't get the bats going against Josh Beckett--who allowed just four hits in 6.2 innings. The Royals managed just five hits for the game.

Did you have a chance to see the bizarre play in the seventh inning when Jason Bay hit a deep fly ball to center field? Mitch Maier looked like he was going to catch it but it hit off the heel of his glove and rolled on top of the outfield wall for several feet before an alert Ross Gload jumped up and knocked the ball off the wall to prevent a home run. MLB.com has an article about the play and a video posted if you'd like to check it out.

Tonight, Luke Hochevar (6-9, 5.42) will go up against Tim Wakefield (6-8, 3.77). Hochevar is 0-1 in his career against the Red Sox with a 6.00 ERA in 6.0 IP. Wakefield is 10-6 in his career against the Royals with a 3.89 ERA in 136.2 IP.