Cincinnati @ Kansas City
Royals 7, Reds 1 / Box Score
WP: Bannister (5-3), LP: Cueto (6-4)
KC Home Runs: Olivo (9)
Royals Record: 28-34 / Record in June 5-7
I didn’t have a good feeling about this series before it started. We didn’t have Gil Meche or Zack Greinke pitching. The Reds had Johnny Cueto on the mound today and nobody has hit him hard. We’re still playing crumby defense and I wince every time Trey Hillman has to go to the bullpen. But Luke Hochevar changed the tone on Friday night with his 80-pitch gem. And the Reds look as bad defensively, if not worse than the Royals; our offense got hot all of a sudden; and then we got another great start today—this time from Brian Bannister and the sweep was complete.
Our defense and bullpen issues aren't going to go away any time soon, but let’s not over analyze things for now. A sweep is a sweep and it feels good heading into the off day—especially knowing that the Royals’ next 12 games will come against National League opponents. The Diamondbacks are in last place in the NL West. The Astros are in last place in the NL Central. And the Pirates are right there with the Astros. The Cardinals are always a difficult opponent, but you have to like the Royals’ chances to make up a little ground before June is over.
2 comments:
I agree with you that a sweep is a sweep. I don't believe the Royals can compete this year, but the Tigers aren't going to pull away so who knows what can happen.
I was happy to see another team's SP get "Royaled" ... Cueto deserved a much better fate than 5 unearned runs. I wish Votto had been in the Reds lineup to see how KC truly stacks up with them.
The Diamondbacks, Astros, and Pirates look to be easy prey for a normal team, but the last time KC saw a run of opponents like this ... well ... we're just now coming out of the carnage that resulted.
Would have been interesting to see what would have happened if both the Reds and the Royals were healthy. Not realistic for this time of the year though.
I agree . . . there's no such thing as an easy series, especially given all of the issues we've had this season.
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