BREAK OUT THE BROOMS! Royals Sweep A’s

Pitching was the story for K.C. in this 3 game series against the A’s in Oakland this week. Kansas City showed why it has some of the better young talented arms in the league, and why many teams are coveting Royals pitching as the trade deadline nears. The first game saw Zack Greinke completely dominate an A’s lineup, as the boys in blue captured a 4-2 win. Greinke struck out a career high 11 batters, and lasted 7 1/3 innings. It was arguably his best start of the year. Another encouraging sign for K.C. was Jose Guillen belting a 2 run HR in the 1 st inning. Guillen, who had been struggling both at the plate, and with a pulled groin, hit his first HR in over a month. Alex Gordon, also struggling, hit a 2 run HR as well. Joakim Soria pitched a perfect 9th to close out his 28 th save of the year.

It was another tight game, this time with Gil Meche and the Royals pulling out a 5-2 win in the East Bay. Meche almost equaled Zack’s outstanding effort the night before, lasting 7 quality innings and striking out 8. Mike Aviles, the 27 year old rookie SS was the hitting star tonight for K.C. with a HR and a triple. He raised his average on the year to a red hot .318. Joakim Soria made history tonight with his 29 th save. Soria set the record for saves in a single season for a Mexican born player as he struck out 2 in the 9 th.

Brian Bannister took the hill today for K.C. in the final game of the series hoping to keep up what has been a dominating pitching series for the Royals. Bannister continued the high strikeout rate for Royals starters as he struck out 7, but lasted just 5 innings, giving up 2 ER. It turned out to be enough for the Royals, as the bullpen combined to allow just 1 further run for the A’s. The Royals got a run off of A’s closer Huston Street in the 10 th inning off of a Jose Guillen sacrifice fly, as the Royals prevailed 4-3. Joakim Soria saved his 3rd game in 3 tries in Oakland to get his 30th save of the season. The Royals, winners of 4 straight, hope to make up some ground in the AL central with an upcoming series at home vs. the division leading Chicago WhiteSox.

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Royals' Notes:

The Royals swept the A’s IN Oakland, something they have not done in 30 years
David DeJesus sat out this game with a sore back
Trade talks continue to heat up as the deadline nears tomorrow at 3pm cst. Ron Mahay and Jose Guillen continue to be subject of trade talks. Mahay is seen as a valuable commodity, a strong lefty reliever with a low ERA. Guillen, and his productive bat, are said to want out of K.C. citing conflict with manager Trey Hillman. Guillen denied these reports.

By Derek Mueller
Kansas City Royals Correspondent

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