Royals on the Farm 6/28

AAA - Omaha: Albuquerque 6, O-Royals 5 (conclusion of Tuesday's game)

2B Gotay 3-4, 2 RBI (29), RS, E (8) -- .254
LF/CF Guiel 2-4, HR (10), RBI (30), K, picked off -- .231
1B/LF Huber 1-3, BB, K, RS -- .255
RF Costa 1-3, HBP -- .378
DH Allen 1-3, BB, CS -- .339
CF K. Robinson 0-3, 2 K -- .312, ejected in 7th
C Phillips 1-4, HR (8), 2 RBI (31), PB (5) -- .258
SS Blanco 0-3 -- .257

Bautista 5 IP, 3 R (1 ER), 4 H, 2 BB, 3 K, WP, E (1) -- ND, 6.88 ERA
Loux 2 IP, 2 ER, 3 H, BB, 2 K -- BS, 2, 7.99 ERA
Nunez IP, ER, 2 H, BB, 2 K, HRA -- L, 0-2, 1.69 ERA

*** The drama created when Guiel homered in the 8th Tuesday before the rains came and suspended play until Wednesday ended with a walkoff homer in the 9th for the Isotopes as they got the win. Mistakes played a part as the Isotopes scored a run on a Bautista throwing error in the 1st and then added 2 in the 2nd thanks in part to a wild pitch and a passed ball on Paul Phillips for a 3-0 Albuquerque lead. A 4-run 5th gave Omaha the lead as Huber singled and Aviles doubled to start the inning and Gotay drove both home to score with a single. With 2 out and Gotay at second, Phillips hit his 8th homer of the season and Omaha had a 4-3 lead. RP Shane Loux came in for the 6th and loaded the bases with 2 out before giving up a 2-run single to 'Topes LF Mark Little to hand the lead back to Albuquerque. Guiel came up with 2 out in the top of the 8th and clubbed his 10th homer, this one to right, to tie the game before Huber popped out to end the inning and the rain shut play down. The bottom of the 8th resumed Wednesday night and Leo Nunez came on to pitch. He got through the 8th but gave up a leadoff walkoff homer to 'Topes C Paul Hoover (his 4th) in the 9th to end it. In what looks like an odd deal, Kerry Robinson was pinch-hit for with Rick Bell in the 7th and I assume must have been jawing from the dugout at the home plate ump after getting rung up twice, so he got ejected. Omaha dropped to 30-48. Former Royal gas can Chris George went 6 1/3 IP and allowed 4 ER on 8 hits and 2 walks to leave with a no-decision and an ERA of 5.59. Ah, the memories. Little was 2-4 with 3 RBI to move to .287, 1B Jason Stokes was 2-4 with 2 RS to move to .273 and RF Chris Aguila was 1-4 with a double to drop to .358.

Albuquerque 6, O-Royals 5 (Wednesday's regular game)

RF Costa 1-4, 3B (3), RS -- .366
LF Huber 0-3, HBP -- .251
DH Allen 0-4, 2 K -- .333
1B Cortez 1-4 -- .320
CF Guiel 1-3, BB, HR (11), 2 RBI (32), OF assist at third -- .233
3B Aviles 1-4, HR (5), RBI (25) -- .252
C Price 1-3, HR (4), RBI (9), PB (7) -- .169
2B Gotay 0-3, HBP, RBI (30), RS -- .251
SS Blanco 0-3 -- .253

Baerlocher 5 IP, 4 ER, 9 H, BB, 5 K, WP -- ND, 3.78 ERA
Elder 2 IP, 3 K -- 3.06 ERA, back from DL
Yarnall IP, 2 ER, 3 H, BB -- BS, 1, L, 2-2, 3.74 ERA

*** Omaha fought back from a 4-1 deficit to take a lead in the 8th but Yarnall got touched up for the loss. Aviles hit his 5th homer in the 2nd to give Omaha a 1-0 lead but Baerlocher gave up a leadoff triple and then a wild pitch to allow the tying run to score in the bottom of the inning. Three straight Isotopes singles opened the 4th and scored a run, but Guiel salvaged an out in nailing a runner at third base via both Cortez and Blanco. A single two batters later scored 2 runs and gave Albuquerque a 4-1 lead. Jared Price hit his 4th homer of '06 in the top of the 5th and Costa tripled and scored on a Gotay ground out in the 6th to cut the lead to 1. Isotopes RP J.B. Miadich came in to pitch the 8th and, with 2 out, hit Gotay with a pitch before giving up Guiel's 11th homer for a 2-run shot to put Omaha up, 5-4. Ed Yarnall got the first 2 outs in the bottom of the 8th but then gave up a walk, single, and then 2 RBI singles to blow the lead. Long-ago Braves reliever Brad Clontz came in and had a perfect 9th for his 13th save for the 'Topes. Omaha is 30-49. Albuquerque SP Yusmeiro Petit went 6 IP and allowed 3 ER on 3 hits and a walk to move his ERA to 4.21. Little was 3-4 with his 13th double and an RBI to move to .297, DH Matt Cepicky was 3-4 with an RBI and 2 RS to move to .259, Aguila and 3B Mike Kinkade were both 0-4 to drop to .338 and .327, respectively, SS Scott Seabol was 2-3 with a triple to move to .314 and C Chris Ashby was 2-4 with 3 RBI to move to .274.

The teams finish the series tonight. Mike MacDougal starts for the O-Royals in another rehab outing. I assume Runelvys will pitch starting in the 2nd. The PCL all-star team was announced this morning and manager Mike Jirschele will helm the PCL squad with O-Royals C Paul Phillips and DH Chad Allen earning spots on the team. The team will take on the International League all-stars July 12 in Toledo. The game starts at 6 p.m. CT and will be shown on ESPN2. The ownership of the O-Royals has also officially changed hands. This is quoted from the team site: "The agreement between Spikes LLC, under the direction of its Managing Member Matt Minker, and Power Alley LLC, under the direction of its Manager Bill Shea, has been approved by the Pacific Coast League, Minor League Baseball and the Office of the Commissioner of Major League Baseball. This process has been in the works since February, when the pending transaction was submitted for approval. Power Alley LLC will now hold the general partnership interest and certain limited partnership interests in the Omaha Royals, with Warren Buffett and Walter Scott remaining as limited partners. Terms of the transaction were not publicly disclosed."

AA - Wichita: Midland 12, Wranglers 7

3B Gordon 1-4, BB, RS -- .300
RF Butler 2-5, RS -- .326
DH D. Brown 3-5, 2 RBI (22), RS -- .257
LF Lubanski 2-4, 2 RBI (34), K -- .258, Mr. Second Half showing signs of coming around
CF Maier 1-5, K, RS -- .278
C Tupman 1-4, 3B, RBI (28), 2 K, RS -- .290
SS Sanchez 1-5 -- .285
2B Murphy 1-4, BB, RBI (24), 2 RS, E (4) -- .234

Greinke 4 1/3 IP, 4 ER, 6 H, 3 BB, 7 K!, HRA -- ND, 7.62 ERA
Cedeno 2/3 IP, 3 ER, 3 H, 2 BB, HRA -- 5.34 ERA
Hoelscher 2 IP, ER, 2 H, BB, HRA -- L, 0-5, 3.64 ERA
Booker 1 1/3 IP, 4 R (2 ER), 5 H, K -- 4.15 ERA
Markray 2/3 IP, H -- 2.68 ERA
*not a good night for Wichita pitchers

*** Five late runs gave Midland the sweep of the series versus the Wranglers. Wichita struck first with an RBI single by Dee Brown in the 1st but Midland got a solo homer in the 2nd and an RBI double in the 3rd to take the lead. The lead swung back Wichita's way in the 4th as Matt Tupman tripled a run home and 1B Kila Kaaihue hit a sac fly to make the score 3-2 Wranglers. Midland scored 5 in the 5th, including a 3-run homer off RP Juan Cedeno after Greinke left with 1 out, and took a 7-3 lead. The Wranglers fought back to tie the game in the bottom of the 5th as 4 straight singles started the inning, including RBI knocks by Brown and Donnie Murphy. With 1 out and the bases loaded, Lubanski tied the game with a 2-run single but the Wranglers couldn't grab the lead. Tupman struck out with 2 on to end the Wichita 6th and Midland got another solo homer to lead off the 7th and take a 1-run lead. RP Chris Booker came in for the 8th and gave up a 2-run double and 2-run single with a Murphy error thrown in. The Wranglers didn't get a base runner after the 6th. Wichita is 4-3 and still tied with Tulsa for the division lead. Midland 1B Brant Colamarino was 4-6 with 2 doubles (up to 19) and 2 RBI (up to 44) to improve to .300, 3B Vasili Spanos was 2-5 with 2 RS to move to .316, DH Brian Stavisky was 2-6 to move to .316, C Kurt Suzuki was 2-5 with 2 RS to move to .309 and CF Matt Allegra was 2-4 with his 7th homer and 3 RBI (32) to move to .296. 2B Kevin Melillo also hit his 7th homer as Midland unleashed a 17-hit assault.

The Wranglers have Thursday off to regroup before starting a 5-gamer Friday at Springfield. In other news, according to the Eagle, RP Ryan Braun was put on the DL retroactive to Saturday, Booker is headed to Omaha and RP Gabe DeHoyos was called up from High Desert.

High-A - High Desert: all-star break concluded

*** The Mavs get back into action Thursday night to start a 4-game set at the Lake Elsinore Storm (3-2, High-A Padres).

Low-A - Burlington: Bees 3, Cedar Rapids 2

1B Vega 2-3, BB, RBI (35), RS, E (11) -- .246
SS McConnell 1-4, 2 RBI (18) -- .174
CF Duarte 0-3, K, OF assist at third -- .260
2B Johnson 1-3, BB, K, RS -- .254

Penn 3 IP, H, BB, K -- ND, 2.43 ERA, left with "arm tenderness", precautionary
Damico 4 IP, 2 R (1 ER), 6 H, 4 K -- 2.56 ERA
Harkcom IP, H, BB -- W, 2-1, 4.50 ERA
Schambough IP, H, 2 K -- SV, 7, 1.45 ERA

*** A 3-run 8th and a big hit by Chris McConnell helped the Bees get the win. The Bees loaded the bases with 2 out in the 1st but stranded all 3 runners and Michael Penn was pitching well before leaving with arm trouble after the 3rd. According to the team site he is to be reevaluated Thursday. At one point there were 14 straight outs as Penn and Yovany Damico battled Kernels SP Stephen Marek. The Bees loaded the bases again with 1 out in the 5th but Marek wriggled out of the jam with two force outs. Cedar Rapids broke through in the 7th with an RBI single and another run on a Vega error on a rundown that allowed a runner to score from third. Cody Harkcom gave up a 1-out triple in the 8th but got the runner trying to steal home during the next AB and then a pop out to end the threat. Back-to-back singles and a Kernels error helped Burlington load the bases with no outs in the bottom of the 8th before Miguel Vega singled a run home and McConnell came through with a 2-run single to give the Bees a 3-2 lead. Kraig Schambough gave up a leadoff single in the 9th but nothing else in picking up his 7th save, which ties him for the team lead with Gilbert de la Vara. Burlington is 2-5 and 2 games back of a 5-team dogpile in first. Marek allowed only the ER on 5 hits and 3 walks over 7 IP to drop his ERA to 2.08 and C Flint Wipke was 2-4 with his 6th triple to move to .263.

The Bees move on to a 4-game split home-and-home series with the Peoria Chiefs (4-3, Low-A Cubs) starting Thursday. Pitchers: RH Rayner Oliveros (3-2, 2.45) will start in place of the injured Matt Kniginyzky (he's not on the DL, tho, as far as I've seen) vs. Chiefs RH Mitch Atkins (6-1, 2.58).

Rookie - Idaho Falls: Chukars 11, Casper 2

CF Dickerson 1-5, 2B, RBI, K -- .333
DH Castillo 1-3, BB, 2 RBI (9), RS -- .448
LF Morel 3-5, 2B, RBI (11), 2 RS, SB (1) -- .361
1B Turner 3-4, BB, 2B, RBI, 2 RS -- .185
SS Gil 2-4, 2B, RBI (4), RS, SB (2) -- .316
2B Maddox 1-3, 2 BB, 3 RS -- .273
3B Herrera 1-5, HR (1), 3 RBI, 2 K, E (3) -- .217

Hardy 5 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 5 K -- W, 1-0, 0.00 ERA, another nice outing
Abreu 4 IP, 2 ER, 3 H, 2 BB, 5 K, 2 WP -- SV, 1, 7.59 ERA

*** The Chukars wrapped out 11 runs on 13 hits in destroying the Rockies behind good pitching from Rowdy Hardy. Luis Castillo hit a 2-run single in the 1st to get the Chukars going and 2 more scored in the 3rd on a Jase Turner RBI double and a passed ball. The big inning was the 7-run 4th when Morel hit a 1-out RBI double to start the scoring and then scored on a throwing error on his steal of third. Joe Dickerson hit an RBI ground out and the other 4 runs came on a 2-out rally as Brenan Herrera hit a 3-run homer for his 1st of '06 and Gilbert Gil doubled a run home to make the score 11-0 Chukars. Juan Abreu pitched the final 4 innings and gave up single runs in the 8th and 9th but it wasn't near enough to scare Idaho Falls. Idaho Falls is 6-3. Casper 3B Hector Gomez was 2-4 with his 5th error to move to .357, LF Michael Milliron was 1-3 with a double and RBI to drop to .467 and 1B Logan Wiens was 1-3 with his 6th RBI to drop to .389. A power outage delayed the game for half an hour before the 6th started, which led in part to Hardy getting pulled.

Game 3 of the set is Thursday night. Harold Mozingo tries to rebound from an ugly first start for Idaho Falls. New draft pick signees P Josh Cribb (8th rounder out of Clemson) and IF Kurt Mertins (13th rounder out of College of the Desert) are set to join the Chukars soon. I'm anxious to see what Cribb can do as he was 9-0 with a 3.09 ERA at Clemson and K'd 83 while walking 26 in 87 IP this season. He didn't pitch for the Tigers in the College World Series but was first-team All-ACC. Mertins was first-team All-Foothill Conference this season after hitting .387 with 4 HR, 9 triples and 42 RBI in 43 games. He was also 37-42 in stolen base attempts, so he's got some speed.

Rookie - AZL: Royals 10, Rangers 3

SS Bianchi 2-5, HR (2), RBI (4), 2 RS, K -- .444
DH Peralta 2-3, 2 RBI (13), RS -- .409
2B T. Wilson 2-3, RBI, 2 RS, 2 SB (2) -- .500
C Doscher 2-4, RBI, RS -- .353
3B Coolbaugh 2-3, 2 BB, K, 2 RS, SB (2) -- .333
1B S. Lucas 0-2, SF, HBP, RBI (8), K, SB (3) -- .417
RF Van Stratten 0-3, BB, HBP, RBI (5), RS -- .120
PH J. Taylor 0-1 -- .000
CF Francis 1-4, RBI, RS -- .188
LF Dyson 1-1 -- .444

Raglione 6 IP, 3 ER, 4 H, 6 K, 2 WP -- W, 1-0, 3.27 ERA
Arias 3 IP, H, 2 K -- SV, 1, 0.00 ERA

*** A 7-run 3rd did the trick for the Royals. Paul Raglione gave up a 1st inning run but the Royals came back with 2 of their own in the 1st on a throwing error on a pickoff that scored Tyrone Wilson from third after he singled and stole 2 bases, and a Nick Van Stratten RBI ground out. Scott Lucas started the big 3rd with a sac fly RBI before Felix Peralta hit a bases-loaded 2-run single, Nick Francis hit an RBI single, Nick Doscher singled a run home, Jose Mojica walked to bring home a run and Wilson hit an RBI ground out for a 9-0 Royal lead. Raglione gave up a 2-run single in the 6th but that was it for the Rangers as the Royals added a run that inning on a Jeff Bianchi solo homer for his 2nd in two days. The Royals moved to 4-2. Rangers DH Carlos Dominguez was 2-4 with 3 RBI to move to .263, 1B Mauro Gomez was 1-4 with a double to drop to .400 and 2B Joe Hooft was 0-3 to drop to .400.

The Royals squared off with the Cubs this morning and came away with another win, so they're a game back of the Giants for first in the league. More on the win over the Cubs in the next report.

Royals on the Farm 6/27

AAA - Omaha: suspended by rain tied at 5 in the 8th

Guiel kept the Royals' hopes alive as he cracked a game-tying solo shot in the 8th right before play was suspended. They'll finish the game with Albuquerque tonight before the regularly scheduled game and I'll report on the game in the next RoF. C Paul Phillips also has a homer -- a 2-run shot -- in the game. Ryan Baerlocher is set to start in the full game tonight as the road trip nears an end.

AA - Wichita: Midland 7, Wranglers 6

3B Gordon 2-4, BB, 2 RBI (34) -- .301
RF Butler 2-4, BB, 2B (22), RBI (53) -- .324
C Tupman 0-4, RBI (27) -- .291
CF Maier 1-4, RS, E (3) -- .280
LF Lubanski 1-3, BB, 2B (21), K, RS -- .255
DH D. Brown 2-4, 2B (9), HR (3), RBI (20), K, 2 RS -- .244
SS Sanchez 2-5, 2B (12), 2 RS -- .286
2B Murphy 0-5 -- .234

Musser 4 1/3 IP, 3 R (2 ER), 5 H, 2 BB, 4 K, HRA, WP -- ND, 1.45 ERA
C. Smith 2 IP, 4 H, 3 BB, 2 K -- 2.00 ERA
Hoelscher 1 1/3 IP, 2 ER, H, 2 BB, 2 K -- L, 0-4, 3.58 ERA

*** Midland staved off a late Wrangler rally to secure a series win. Gordon singled home a run in the 1st to give Wichita the lead but Midland scored single runs in the 2nd and 3rd off Musser. A Tupman ground out scored Dee Brown to tie the game in the 4th but Musser gave up a solo homer in the 5th to hand the lead back to the RockHounds. Brown came through with a solo shot to lead off the 6th for his 3rd in AA for '06 and Gordon knocked in a run on a force out in the 7th to give Wichita a 4-3 lead. RP Thad Markray relieved Hoelscher with 2 on and 2 out in the 8th and walked a batter to load the bases before giving up a 3-run double to give Midland a 6-4 lead. Midland scored another run in the 9th to make the lead 3 before Wichita rallied to put a scare into the RockHounds in the bottom of the 9th. Lubanski led off the inning with a double off RP Marcus McBeth and Angel Sanchez singled him home. A wild pitch and Maier fly out moved Sanchez to third and Billy Butler drove him home with a ground out to make the score 7-6. Gordon drew a walk to bring the potential winning run to the plate but Donnie Murphy popped out to end the game. Wichita is 4-2 and now tied with Tulsa for first. Midland LF Brian Stavisky was 3-5 with his 2nd homer and 3 RS to move to .315, C Kurt Suzuki was 2-4 with his 42nd RBI, DH Vasili Spanos was 1-2 with 2 RS to move to .314 and CF Matt Allegra was 1-4 with 3 RBI to move to .291.

The teams are finishing the series with a Wednesday matinee. No announced pitchers. In other news, the Eagle reports GM Dayton Moore and senior director over minor-league operations Shaun McGinn were at Tuesday 's game and planned to be there for today's game, too. They then plan on trips to Burlington and Omaha this week.

High-A - High Desert: Carolina League 6, California League 3

1B Stodolka 2-4, 2 K

Buckner (played after all) IP, ER, 2 H, K -- ND

*** Buckner didn't take the loss and Stodolka did all right at the plate. Stodolka didn't advance past the first-round of the pre-game Home Run Derby. The Mavs finish the all-star break Wednesday and get back into action Thursday with a series at Lake Elsinore.

Low-A - Burlington: Cedar Rapids 1, Bees 0

CF Duarte 1-3, BB, K, SB (17) -- .264
DH Everett 0-3, K -- .277
SS McConnell 0-3 -- .172

Rosa 7 IP, 0 ER, H, 2 BB, 8 K -- ND, 2.89 ERA, Bees waste an awesome start, faced 2 over minimum
Hayes 2 IP, ER, 2 H, 2 BB -- L, 2-3, 1.73 ERA

*** The pitchers' duel foreshadowed by the matchup between Carlos Rosa and Kernels starter Nick Adenhart came to fruition as Adenhart allowed 3 hits and 3 walks over 8 IP, which wasn't as good as Rosa but enough to get a win. Cedar Rapids' only hit off Rosa came in the 3rd and Adenhart took a 1-hitter into the 6th, when the Bees loaded the bases with 2 out only to have RF Carlos Arroyo fly out to end the threat. RP Chris Hayes gave up a Kernels run in the 8th and the Bees stranded a runner at third in the bottom of the 8th. The Bees went down in order in the 9th. Both teams managed only 3 hits. The Bees are 1-5. Adenhart improved to 10-2 with a 1.95 ERA, RP Richard Aldridge picked up his 15th save with a perfect 9th to drop his ERA to 3.25, 2B Larry Infante was 2-2 with a run scored to move to .197 and RF Stantrel Smith was 1-3 with an RBI to move to .205.

The teams finish the set tonight. Pitchers: RH Michael Penn (5-2, 2.55) vs. Kernels RH Stephen Marek (8-1, 2.14).

Rookie - Idaho Falls: Casper 6, Chukars 3

CF Dickerson 2-4, 2B, RS, SB (1) -- .360
1B Castillo 1-4, RBI (7), K -- .462
LF Bigler 0-3, 2 BB, SB (4) -- .273
2B Gil 1-3, BB, RBI, SB (1), E (1) -- .267
* The Chukars stole 6 bases.

Gutierrez 5 IP, ER, 5 H, 3 K -- ND, 3.86 ERA, nice start
Baldwin 2/3 IP, 3 ER, 3 H, BB, 2 K -- BS, 1, L, 0-1, 8.31 ERA
Best 2 1/3 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, K -- 3.86 ERA
Casey IP, K -- 21.60 ERA

*** The Rockies victimized Chukar relievers to get only their 2nd win of the season. Idaho Falls scored first in the 1st on a Castillo RBI single but Casper got the run back off SP Dan Gutierrez in the 3rd. The Chukars moved back ahead with 2 in the 4th on a throwing error on a Dickerson steal of third and an RBI single by Gilbert Gil to take a 3-1 lead. RP Burke Baldwin gave up 2 RBI singles with 2 out in the 6th and RP Dan Best gave up another RBI single to give Casper a 4-3 lead and the Rockies added 2 in the 8th off Best to ice the victory. The Chukars didn't threaten after the 4th. Idaho Falls is 5-3 as still tied with Orem for the division lead. Casper 1B Logan Wiens was 4-4 with 2 RBI to move to .400 and 3B Derek Kinzler was 2-4 with a RS to move to .353.

The teams continue the series Wednesday night. No announced starters.

Rookie - AZL: Royals 14, Mariners 4

SS Bianchi 3-5, HR (1), 3 RBI (3) -- .462, heating up???
1B S. Lucas 2-4, BB, 3B (2), 3 RS, SB (2) -- .455
2B A. Perez 2-3, 3B, 3 RS, SB (2) -- .353
RF Peralta 2-4, 3B, SF, 4 RBI (11), RS, K, E (1) -- .368
C Doscher 2-4, BB, 2B, RBI, K, 2 RS -- .308
CF D. Robinson 0-3, BB, 2 K, RS -- .143
CF Dickson 0-2, RBI, K -- .125
DH Van Stratten 1-5, RBI, K, RS -- .136
LF Francis 1-4, 3B, RS, K -- .167

A. Morales 5 IP, 2 ER, 8 H, BB, 3 K, HRA -- W, 1-1, 7.04 ERA
McLintock 3 IP, 2 H, K -- 0.00 ERA, been lockdown in 'pen, plus has good "old west" name

*** Innings of 6 and 5 runs helped the Royals hand the Mariners their first loss of the season. Alwin Perez tripled with 1 out in the 2nd and Felix Peralta hit a sac fly to give the Royals a 1-0 lead. Morales gave up 2 in the bottom of the 2nd but the Mariner lead was short-lived as the Royals scored 5 in the 3rd on a Bianchi 3-run homer for his 1st of '06, a Mariner throwing error and a Peralta RBI single. A 6-run 5th all but put the game away as Scott Lucas tripled to lead off the inning and Nick Van Stratten drove him home with a single. Two batters later a Peralta triple scored 3 runs as a throwing error helped Peralta score on the play. Nick Francis followed with a triple and Nick Doscher singled him home before a wild pitch scored the 6th run later in the inning. The Royals like Nicks, because there are a bunch on the team. As RP Jake McLintock held the Mariners silent, the Royals added a run on a wild pitch in the 8th and an Eric Dickson RBI ground out in the 9th made the score 14-2. RP Yensi Lopez gave up a 2-run homer in the 9th but it was too little, too late for the M's. The Royals are 3-2. M's 1B Gerardo Avila was 4-5 with 2 homers and 3 RBI to move to .409 and LF Welington Dotel was 2-4 with a double to move to .250.

The Royals were set to play the Rangers today. No announced pitchers.

Royals on the Farm 6/26

AAA - Omaha: Albuquerque 4, O-Royals 2

CF K. Robinson 3-5, 2B (11), RBI (19), RS -- .317
RF Costa 2-4, 2B, RBI, SB (1) -- .382
3B Aviles 2-4 -- .252
DH Allen 0-2, 2 BB -- .339
2B Cortez 1-4, K -- .333
1B Huber 0-3, BB, RS -- .254
LF Guiel 0-3, HBP, K -- .224
SS Blanco 0-4 -- .261

MacDougal IP, BB -- 13.50 ERA
Boehringer 4 1/3 IP, 4 R (3 ER), 10 H, BB, K -- L, 1-4, 3.38 ERA, batting practice
Yarnall and Nelson 2 2/3 IP hitless relief

*** A tenuous 2-1 Omaha lead fell apart in the 6th as Albuquerque took the series opener. Kerry Robinson singled home Huber in the 2nd and Omaha took a 1-0 lead but the Isotopes tied the game in the 3rd. After Boehringer got through a shaky 4th, Omaha moved back ahead in the 5th on a Costa RBI double after Robinson led off the inning with a double. Boehringer came out for the 6th and got peppered as he gave up 3 singles, a double and sac fly for 3 runs and Albuquerque took a 4-2 lead. Omaha got a couple runners on in the 7th but couldn't cash in. Omaha dropped to 30-47. 'Topes SP Nic Ungs went 6 IP and allowed 2 ER on 8 hits and 3 walks to pick up the win and move to 7-6 with a 3.87 ERA. RF Chris Aguila was 0-2 to drop to .365, 3B Mike Kinkade was 0-4 to drop to .333, 2B Jason Wood was 2-4 to move to .303 and 1B Jason Stokes was 2-2 with an RBI to move to .266.

The teams continue the series tonight. Pitchers: RH Denny Bautista (0-2, 9.00) vs. 'Topes LH and good old friend Chris George (1-2, 5.58).

AA - Wichita: Midland 7, Wranglers 1

3B Gordon 1-4 -- .298
RF Butler 1-4 -- .322
DH D. Brown 3-4, RS -- .236
C Tupman 0-4, K -- .298
CF Maier 0-2, BB, HBP, K, SB (7) -- .280
LF Lubanski 1-3, BB, CS -- .254
SS Sanchez 1-4 -- .284
2B Murphy 1-4, 2B (15), RBI (23) -- .240

Song 4 IP, 4 ER, 5 H, 3 BB, K, HRA -- L, 4-8, 4.64 ERA
Cedeno 2 IP, H, K -- 4.94 ERA
Booker IP, K -- 0.00 ERA

*** Wichita's winning streak to start the second half came to an abrupt halt Monday as Midland scored in each of the first 4 innings and didn't look back. Seung Song gave up individual runs from the 1st through the 4th and Wichita scored its only run in the 6th on a Murphy RBI double. Midland added 3 runs off RP Derrick DePriest in the 8th and that iced the win. Wichita never really threatened in any inning other than the 6th. Wichita is 4-1 and a game up on Tulsa. RockHounds SP Kevin Olsen went 6 IP and allowed the ER on 5 hits and 2 BB to move to 1-0 with a 1.50 ERA, 2B Kevin Melillo was 2-4 with a triple, his 6th homer and 3 RBI to move to 36 on the year and up his BA to .274, DH Vasili Spanos was 0-2 with his 45th and 46th RBI to drop to .313, C Kurt Suzuki was 1-3 to move to .304 and CF Matt Allegra was 2-4 with an RBI to move to .292.

The teams continue the set Tuesday night. No announced pitchers.

High-A - High Desert: all-star game Tuesday night, Go Stodolka!!!

*** The Mavs get back into action Thursday.

Low-A - Burlington: Bees 2, Cedar Rapids 1

RF Arroyo 3-4, 2B, RBI (19), K, OF assist at first -- .269
CF Duarte 0-2, 2 BB, RS, 2 K, SB (16) -- .263
2B Johnson 0-2, BB -- .253
DH Everett 0-4, RBI (10), K -- .286
SS McConnell 1-3, K -- .175

Henninger 6 IP, 0 ER, 5 H, BB, 5 K -- ND, 5.52 ERA, nice start
de la Vara 2 1/3 IP, UER, H, 2 BB, 4 K, WP -- 3.51 ERA
Schambough 2/3 IP, K -- BS, 2, W, 2-2, 1.49 ERA

*** The Bees took a 1-0 lead into the 9th behind strong pitching from David Henninger and Gilbert de la Vara but had to salvage the win in the bottom of the 9th to get their first victory of the second half. Henniger somehow got out of 2 hits and a walk unscathed in the 1st and the Bees scored a run in the 1st on a Brady Everett RBI ground out. Both teams had scoring chances but neither could score as the game progressed. de la Vara gave up a single to start the 9th and a wild pitch moved the runner to second. Kraig Schambough came in and, with a runner at third and 2 out, C Jeff Howell had a passed ball (his 8th of the season) that allowed the tying run to score. Howell atoned for the mistake by tripling with 1 out in the bottom of the 9th and Carlos Arroyo singled him home for the game-winner. Burlington is 1-4 and 3 games back of first. Kernels SP Tommy Mendoza got a no-decision despite 8 IP of an ER on 3 hits and 3 BB and 9 K to drop his ERA to 4.66. CF Brad Coon was 2-4 with a RS and his 27th SB to move to .265 and SS Hainley Statia was 2-4 to move to .272. 3B Josh Davies was 0-2 to drop to .333.

Game 2 of the set is Tuesday night. Pitchers: RH Carlos Rosa (6-4, 3.16) vs. Kernels RH Nick Adenhart (9-2, 2.11). Looks like a potential pitchers' duel.

Rookie - Idaho Falls: Chukars 1, Ogden 0

DH Castillo 1-3, BB -- .500
3B B. Herrera 2-3, 2 2B -- .250
SS Nunez 2-4, 2B, K, RS -- .188
LF Morel 1-4, K -- .323
2B Maddox 0-4, RBI (4) -- .267
CF Bigler 0-2, BB -- .316
C Lance 0-3 -- .125

Godin 6 IP, 0 ER, 4 H, BB, 4 K, WP -- ND, 0.00 ERA, nice debut
Teaford 3 IP, 2 H, BB, 3 K -- W, 1-0, 6.75 ERA

*** Godin and Ogden SP Josh Wall dueled and Idaho Falls pulled out the win in the bottom of the 9th. The Chukars got 2 runners on in both the 1st and 2nd and couldn't score and Godin scattered the 4 hits on him before Everett Teaford took over in the 7th. Ogden got 2 on with 0 out in the top of the 9th off Teaford but the '06 draftee got 2 strikeouts and a pop out to end the threat. SS Eduardo Nunez doubled to lead off the Chukars 9th and moved to third on a ground out by 1B Jase Turner. After Luis Castillo was intentionally walked, Marc Maddox came out and hit a grounder to Ogden SS Juan Rivera, who for some reason decided to throw to first as Nunez scored the winning run. Idaho Falls is 5-2 and tied with Orem atop the division. Wall allowed 5 hits and a walk over 6 IP to drop his ERA to 0.77, Rivera was 3-4 at the plate to move to .455 and DH Josh Bell was 1-4 with his 4th double to move to .400. Both teams had 6 hits.

Idaho Falls moves on to a 4-game set at the Casper Rockies (1-6, Rookie guess who) Tuesday night. No announced starters.

Rookie - AZL: off day

The Royals were set to take on the Mariners Tuesday morning. No announced starters.

Royals on the Farm 6/25

AAA - Omaha: Iowa 5, O-Royals 3

RF Allen 2-4, 2B (16), RBI (46), RS -- .342, having a great year at Omaha when healthy
3B Cortez 2-4 -- .353
1B Huber 1-4, 2B (10), RBI (20), K -- .257
LF Costa 1-4, BB, 3B, RS -- .367
CF Guiel 1-4, 2B (13), RS -- .228
2B Gotay 1-3, BB, 2 K -- .246
SS Blanco 1-3, BB, 2B, K -- .266

Hudson 4 IP, 3 ER, 8 H, 4 K -- ND, 2.80 ERA
Osborne 3 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 2 K, HRA -- L, 0-2, 3.97 ERA
Nunez IP, H -- 0.93 ERA

*** Omaha came back from an early deficit but Osborne gave up 2 in the 7th to give Iowa the winning edge. Costa led off the game with a triple and DH Chris Clapinski hit a sac fly to get Omaha a quick run in the 1st. Luke Hudson gave up single runs in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th and Iowa took a 3-1 lead. Guiel doubled with 1 out in the 6th and Allen singled him home to cut the lead to 1 before Huber doubled Allen home to tie the game at 3. The Royals got 2 runners on with 0 out in the 7th and Clapinski sacrificed the runners to second and third. Guiel flew out to Cubs CF Felix Pie, who threw Costa out at third while Blanco came home but the out negated the go-ahead run and the game stayed tied at 3. Osborne gave up a single and 2-run homer to start the Iowa 7th and that was all she wrote for Omaha. The Royals got runners to second and third with 2 out in the 9th but Clapinski struck out to end the game. Omaha is 30-46. Cubs 1B Micah Hoffpauir was 1-3 with his 9th homer and 3 RBI to move to .258, Pie was 2-5 with a double to move to .258, DH Michael Restovich was 3-5 with a double to move to .312 and 3B Ryan Theriot was 2-5 with an RBI to move to .307.

Omaha starts a 4-game set at the Albuquerque Isotopes (40-37, AAA Marlins) Monday. Pitchers: RH Mike MacDougal (0-1, 21.60, why do they have him starting?) vs. Isotopes RH Nic Ungs (6-6, 3.93).

AA - Wichita: Wranglers 2, Frisco 1

RF Butler 0-3, BB, RS -- .323
Gordon PH in the 8th and walked
CF Maier 0-4, 2 K -- .282
DH D. Brown 2-4, 2B, RBI (19), K -- .220
SS Sanchez 0-2, BB, K, HBP, RS, SB (6) -- .285
LF Lubanski 0-2, BB, K, SB (5), CS -- .253
C Tupman 0-4, K -- .305
2B Murphy 0-3, BB -- .240

Herndon 8 IP, ER, 2 H, BB, 4 K, WP -- ND, 4.93 ERA, great start
Cedeno IP, H -- W, 1-5, 5.11 ERA

*** Wichita rallied in the 9th to stay undefeated in the half. Dee Brown singled home a run in the 4th and Junior Herndon took a 1-hitter into the 6th. He gave up a leadoff single and 2 ground outs moved the runner to third before a wild pitch brought the tying run home. Butler walked with 1 out in the 9th and moved to third on a clutch double by Brown. Donnie Murphy was walked to load the bases and Tupman grounded a ball to first, where Frisco 1B Jim Fasano muffed the ball and Butler scored to give Wichita the win. Apparently there was controversy as the throw home from Fasano appeared to beat Butler for the force out, but he was called safe. Manager Frank White was ejected in the 8th for arguing balls and strikes. Wichita moved to 4-0 on the second half. Both teams managed only 3 hits. Frisco DH Adam Morrissey was 1-4 to drop to .329 and LF Jayce Tingler was 0-4 to drop to .289.

Wichita started a 3-game set with the Midland Rockhounds (1-3, AA Athletics) today and Seung Song took the hill. Unfortunately, the undefeated streak ended in convincing fashion. More on that in the next RoF report. In other news, Mike "Back Pain" Sweeney was set to begin a rehab stint in Wichita but it was put off for a few days.

High-A - High Desert: all-star break begins

*** The Cal League/Carolina League All-Star Game is Tuesday in Virginia. 1B Mike Stodolka represents the Mavericks and will also take part in the pre-game Home Run Derby. I thought P Billy Buckner was also voted in but according to the league site he isn't playing. Maybe they're saving him for a start.

Low-A - Burlington: West Michigan 7, Bees 3

1B Vega 2-3, BB, HR (8), 3 RBI (34) -- .244
DH Everett 1-3, BB -- .299, no trip to DL with shoulder injury
SS McConnell 0-2, HBP, K -- .173
CF Duarte 0-4, 2 K -- .266

Nicoll 4 IP, 5 ER, 7 H, 2 BB, 5 K, 2 HRA -- L, 3-5, 2.84 ERA, rare shelling
Oliveros 4 IP, H, BB, K -- 2.45 ERA
Garcia IP, 2 ER, 2 H, BB, K -- 3.70 ERA

*** Chris Nicoll took a rare beating and the Bees got swept by the Whitecaps. Nicoll gave up 2 hits and a run in the 2nd and then got touched up for back-to-back homers in the 4th as West Michigan extended its lead to 5-0. With 2 outs and 2 on in the bottom of the 4th, Vega cranked a 3-run homer to center for his 8th of '06 and closed the gap to 5-3. The Bees threatened with 2 on and 1 out in the 7th but couldn't get any closer and West Michigan scored 2 off Eliszer Garcia in the 9th to ice the win. Burlington dropped to 0-4. WM SP Sendy Vasquez went 6 2/3 IP and gave up the 3 unearned runs because of an error earlier in the 4th to move to 4-6 with a 3.39 ERA. RP Anthony Claggett got his 10th hold with 1 1/3 IP of hitless pitching to drop his ERA to 0.27. DH Cameron Maybin was 0-4 with his 29th RBI to drop to .295, LF Michael Hernandez was 1-5 to drop to .307, C Dusty Ryan was 2-3 with his 5th homer and 2 RBI to move to .296 and CF Justin Justice was 2-4 with his 2nd homer and 34th RBI to move to .282.

The Bees started fresh in a 3-game set with the Cedar Rapids Kernels (2-3, Low-A Angels) Monday and broke the losing streak. David Henninger got the start for Burlington. In other news, a couple of moves took place. OF Antonio Sabatini was released by the organization after hitting .143 in 42 games. He was a 14th-round pick in 2005. I wonder why they gave up on him, other than the BA. Lord knows other players in the KC minors suck but they aren't cutting guys. Maybe he asked for it. C Kiel Thibault was also moved up to Wichita to add catching depth as Damaso Espino was injured Sunday. Why not Donachie? Thibault is hitting a whopping .218 at Burlington. Maybe because of defense? Thibault has no errors and has thrown out 35 percent of would-be base stealers.

Rookie - Idaho Falls: Chukars 6, Ogden 5 (10)

1B Castillo 3-4, BB, 2 2B (3), 2 RBI (6), RS -- .526
LF Morel 3-6, 2 RBI (10), K, RS -- .333
RF Bigler 2-5, 2B, RBI, 2 RS -- .353
CF Dickerson 0-3, 2 BB -- .333
2B Maddox 0-5, K -- .308
DH Hayes 0-4, 4 K -- .150, yikes

Cordier 5 IP, 4 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 3 K, balk, WP -- ND, 3.27 ERA, 4 hits, 2 walks in 1st
Hartsock 4 IP, ER, H, 3 BB, 4 K -- 1.17 ERA
Best IP, H -- W, 2-0, 2.57 ERA

*** The Chukars survived a rough 1st from Cordier to score all their runs from the 7th on and win in extras. Cordier's 1st went like this: walk, K, RBI double, wild pitch, walk, RBI single, balk run home, single, RBI single, ground out, ground out. He allowed only 2 hits after the bad 1st and the score remained 4-0 Ogden into the bottom of the 7th, when Idaho Falls rallied for 2 runs with 2 outs. It started when Bigler reached on a missed catch error and C Ross Boudreaux drew a walk. Alvi Morel singled Bigler home and SS Gilbert Gil followed with a single before Boudreaux came home on a wild pitch. Shawn Hayes struck out to end the rally for 1 of his 4 Ks on the day. A 2-out Bigler single in the 8th brought another run home and the Chukars cut the lead to 4-3. A passed ball helped lead to an Ogden insurance run in the top of the 9th off RP Aaron Hartsock but the Chukars wouldn't go away. They got runners to second and third with 1 out in the bottom of the 9th and Luis Castillo hit a clutch double to tie the game. The game went into the bottom of the 10th when Bigler played the role of sparkplug again with a 1-out double. Boudreaux was hit by a pitch before Morel singled Bigler home for the winning run. Idaho Falls is 4-2. Ogden wasted a decent start from Jesus Castillo, who allowed only 2 hits and 2 walks over 5 IP. 3B Josh Bell was 2-3 with 2 doubles to move to .455 and 2B Michael Rivera was 2-3 to move to .400.

The teams finished the series Monday. Jason Godin debuted for IF and the Chukars won, 1-0. More on that in the next RoF.

Rookie - AZL: Padres 7, Royals 6 (10)

SS Bianchi 2-3, BB, 2B, RS, CS -- .375
3B Coolbaugh 2-4, BB, K -- .357
1B S. Lucas 2-5, RBI (7), SB (1) -- .444
2B A. Perez 2-4, BB, RBI, K, 3 RS, SB (1), CS -- .286
C Doscher 2-5, RBI, 2 K, SB (1), PB (2) -- .222
CF D. Robinson 1-6, 3 K -- .182
RF Van Stratten 1-5, 3B, K, RS -- .118
DH Francis 0-2, RBI -- .125
DH Peralta 1-3, HR (2), 2 RBI (7), K, RS -- .333
LF Dyson 1-3 -- .286

Santiago 4 IP, 0 ER, 4 H, 4 K -- 0.00 ERA
A. Martinez 2 1/3 IP, 5 R (4 ER), 5 H, 2 BB, K -- L, 0-1, 7.71 ERA
McClintock IP, 2 H -- 0.00 ERA

*** A wild 10th inning left the Padres with a 7-6 extra-inning win. Nicholas Francis hit an RBI ground out in the 2nd to drive home Alwin Perez, who had singled, stole second and advanced to third on a throwing error, and the Royals had a 1-0 lead. Royals starter Mario Santiago left after holding the Pads silent for 4 IP and RP Miguel Morales got through the 6th without damage. The Royals added a run in the 6th on a Scott Lucas RBI single and the score was 2-0. The Pads rallied for 2 runs with 2 out in the 7th to tie the game and, after Lucas grounded out with 2 out and the bases loaded in the 7th, the Pads moved ahead with a run off Martinez in the 8th. Nick Doscher came through with a 2-out RBI single in the bottom of the 8th to tie the game and it went to the 10th tied at 3. Angel Martinez gave up a bases-loaded 3-run double in the top of the 10th and McClintock gave up another run charged to Martinez and the Pads took a 7-3 lead. Nick Van Stratten led off the bottom of the 10th with a triple and Perez singled him home before Felix Peralta smacked a 2-run homer to left for his 2nd homer to cut the lead to 1 with 0 out. The Royals couldn't get the tying run on base, tho. The Royals are 2-2. Pads CF Luis Durango was 4-6 with an RBI to move to .538, 1B Jeremy Hunt was 3-4 with 2 RS to move to .462, RF Kyler Burke was 3-5 with a triple to move to .417 and LF Sam Carter was 2-5 with a double and 4 RBI to move to .250.

The team had Monday off and plays the Mariners Tuesday.

Royals on the Farm 6/23 and 6/24

AAA - Omaha: O-Royals 6, Iowa 4 (Fri.)

RF Allen 2-4, BB, 2B (15), 3 RBI (45) -- .341
3B Aviles 3-3, BB, HR (4), RBI (24) -- .245
LF Costa 2-5, 2B, K, 2 RS -- .286
CF Guiel 1-3, 2 BB, HR (9), RBI (28), 2 RS, E (2), OF assist at second -- .234
1B Huber 1-4, 2B (8), K -- .249, LF experiment looks to be over
2B Cortez 1-4, K -- .375
SS Blanco 1-4, 2 K, RS -- .271

Etherton 5 IP, 4 ER, 5 H, BB, 2 K, 4 HRA!!!!!! -- ND, 4.90 ERA, lucky to get out with no decision
Baerlocher 3 IP, 3 H, BB, 4 K -- W, 3-3, 3.42 ERA
Nelson IP, BB -- SV, 7, 2.25 ERA

*** Two late runs gave Omaha the win. Etherton gave up his first homer of the game in the 2nd but a 2-out, 2-run double by Allen in the 3rd gave Omaha the lead. Allen got thrown out at third trying to stretch the double, so further runs were thwarted. Etherton gave up 3 more solo homers in the 4th but stayed in the game with Omaha down, 4-2. An Allen RBI single and sac fly by C Paul Phillips tied the game in the 5th and it stayed tied into the 8th. Aviles hit his 4th homer with 1 out in the top of the 8th to give the Royals the lead and Guiel hit his 9th homer in the 9th to add some insurance. Nelson walked the leadoff batter in the bottom of the 9th but then got three straight fly outs to end the game. Omaha moved to 29-45. Cubs CF Felix Pie was 1-4 with his 7th homer and 36th RBI to drop to .255, DH Mike Restovich was 1-4 to drop to .309, 2B Mike Fontenot was 2-4 with his 6th homer to move to .302 and 1B Micah Hoffpauir was 2-4 with 2 homers (#s 7 and 8) and 2 RBI to move to .257.

O-Royals 10, Iowa 4 (Sat.)

LF Costa 4-5, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 3 RS -- .385, looking good in AAA
1B Huber 3-5, 2B (9), RBI (19), K, RS, E (7) -- .258
3B Aviles 2-5, 2B (15), K, RS -- .248
DH Gotay 2-4, 2B (13), K, 3 RBI (27), 2 RS -- .245
C Phillips 2-5, 2 2B, 2 K, RS -- .262
RF Allen 1-4, BB, K -- .339
CF Guiel 0-4, BB, RBI (29) -- .228
2B Cortez 1-5, 2 K, RS -- .308
SS Blanco 0-4, K, RS -- .265
*Everybody makes it tonight

MacDougal 2/3 IP, 3 ER, 2 H, 2 BB, K -- ND, 21.60 ERA, rehab hits hiccup
Nunez 1/3 IP, H -- 1.04 ERA
Hernandez 6 IP, ER, 3 H, 2 BB, 3 K -- W, 4-4, 5.01 ERA
Loux 2 IP, 3 H -- 7.89 ERA

*** MacDougal's subpar 1st inning was atoned for with a 5-run 4th and the Royals took their second straight from the Cubs. Guiel hit an RBI ground out and Huber hit an RBI double in the 1st to get Omaha an early 2-0 lead but MacDougal went single, walk, ground out, K, 2-run double, walk, pulled in the 1st. Leo Nunez came in and gave up a go-ahead single but then got out of the inning with Omaha down, 3-2. Three straight singles with 1 out in the 4th loaded the bases for Omaha and Gotay cleared the bases with a 3-run double. Costa followed 2 batters later with a 2-run homer for his 1st in AAA in '06 and Omaha had a 7-3 lead. Omaha was able to load the bases again in the inning but Huber struck out to quash the rally. Iowa got a run back off Runelvys in the 5th but Fatty did a good job of holding the Cubs in check over his 6 IP. Costa poured some runs onto the lead in the 8th with a 3-run homer to complete his great day at the plate. Shane Loux pitched the 8th and 9th to secure the win. Omaha moved to 30-45 with the victory. Iowa SS Ryan Theriot was 2-5 with 2 RS and his 8th error to move to .305, Pie was 1-4 to stay at .255, rehabbing 1B Derrek Lee was 1-4 with an RBI in his first game coming back from a broken wrist and Hoffpauir was 1-4 with 2 RBI to move to .256.

The series concludes Sunday. Pitchers: RH Luke Hudson (2-0, 2.30) vs. Cubs RH Jae-Kuk Ryu (2-6, 3.79).

AA - Wichita: Wranglers 6, Frisco 3 (Fri.)

3B Gordon 0-3, BB, RS, 2 SB (16) -- .301
RF Butler 1-3, BB, 2B (21), RBI (52), RS -- .321
CF Maier 1-3, BB, K -- .288
LF Lubanski 2-4, 2B (18), 3B (4), 4 RBI (32), 2 K -- .246, the beast is stirring....
2B Murphy 1-3, BB, 2 RS -- .240
SS Sanchez 0-5, 3 K -- .283
C Tupman 0-2, 2 BB, K, RS -- .312, hitless but still getting on base

Greinke 4 2/3 IP, 2 ER, 2 H, 3 BB, 4 K, HRA, WP -- ND, 7.48 ERA, not exactly a shutdown start
C. Smith 2 1/3 IP, H, 3 K -- W, 5-0, 2.09 ERA
Markray 2 IP, ER, 2 H, K, 2 WP -- 2.38 ERA

*** The Wranglers scored their runs early and held on to take their second straight vs. Frisco. Lubanski started a great day by doubling home a run in the 2nd and Wichita had a 5-run 3rd as Butler doubled home a run, 1B Kila Kaaihue brought a run home with a bases-loaded walk and Lubanski followed with a bases-loaded triple to drive home 3 more for a 6-0 Wichita lead. Greinke gave up his only damage in the 5th with a 2-out, 2-run homer and was pulled because of pitch count. Frisco's other run came off Markray in the 8th but Markray allowed no more damage. Wichita moved to 2-0 on the second half. RoughRiders SP Thomas Diamond took the loss with 5 ER on 5 walks and 3 hits over 2 2/3 IP to drop to 5-4 with a 4.67 ERA. Frisco 2B Adam Morrissey was 1-2 with an RBI to move to .336, CF Jayce Tingler was 0-4 to drop to .333 and RF Kevin Mahar was 2-4 with his 8th homer to move to .250.

Wranglers 9, Frisco 4 (Sat.)

3B Gordon 1-5, 2B (20), RBI (32), 2 K -- .299
RF Butler 3-5, K -- .326, staying hot
CF Maier 1-5, 3B (4), 3 RBI (48), 3 K, RS -- .286
LF Lubanski 3-3, BB, 2 2B (20), 2 RS -- .255, .....stirring
SS Sanchez 2-3, 2 BB, 2 RBI (30), RS -- .287
2B Murphy 2-5, 2B (14), RBI (22), 2 K, 2 RS, SB (4) -- .244
C Espino 2-4, RBI, RS -- .244

Middleton 5 IP, 3 R (2 ER), 2 H, 4 BB, 8 K, WP, E (2) -- W, 5-3, 4.17 ERA
Booker IP, 2 K -- 0.00 ERA

*** The Wranglers got to work early again and stayed hot in the second half. Butler singled home a run in the 1st and Wichita was off and running. The Wranglers scored 4 in the 2nd after loading the bases with 2 out. Maier had the big hit with a bases-clearing triple and Gordon followed with an RBI double to make the score 5-0. Frisco got 2 runs back in the 3rd but Wichita struck for 4 once more in the 3rd on a Murphy RBI double, Espino RBI single and 2-run single by Sanchez to make the score 9-2. The RoughRiders added single runs in the 4th and 7th but got no closer. Wichita is now 3-0 and a game up on first in the division. Morrissey was 1-5 with 2 RBI to drop to .331, Tingler was 1-4 to drop to .324 and SS Enrique Cruz was 1-4 with an RBI to drop to .289.

Wichita goes for the sweep Sunday. No announced pitchers.

High-A - High Desert: Mavs 12, Rancho Cucamonga 2 (Fri.)

1B Stodolka 1-3, 2 BB, K, 3 RS -- .285
CF Senreiso 3-5, 2B, 3B, 5 RBI (39), RS -- .235
DH Duenas 3-4, BB, 2B, 4 RBI, 3 RS -- .264
RF Valentin 1-5, 2 RS -- .297
C Donachie 2-3, 2 BB, 2B (12), RBI (19), RS -- .276
2B Perez 1-5, K, RS -- .290

Crist 6 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 3 BB, 6 K -- W, 4-1, 3.92 ERA, nice outing
Weeden and Hicklen 3 scoreless IP

*** Three multi-run innings helped the Mavs to yet another win over Rancho Cucamonga. The Mavs started it off with 5 in the 2nd on a bases-loaded triple by Juan Senreiso, an RBI double by LF James Tomlin and an RBI single by SS Irving Falu. While Crist cruised through the 5th, the Mavs added 3 that inning on a bases-loaded 2-run single by Tomas Duenas and an RBI double by Donachie to make the score 8-0. Crist gave up the Quakes' only 2 runs in the 6th but the Mavs came back with 3 in the bottom of the inning on a 2-run double by Duenas and Senreiso RBI single. Their final run scored in the 8th on a Senreiso RBI double as he ended up a homer short of the cycle. High Desert moved to 3-2 and a game back of first with their 10th consecutive win over the Quakes. Quakes C Michael Collins was 1-3 with his 44th RBI to move to .296, 3B Freddy Sandoval was 0-1 with 3 BB to drop to .290 and SS Sean Rodriguez was 0-4 with his 23rd error to drop to .289.

Mavs 9, Rancho Cucamonga 8 (Sat.)

SS Falu 3-4, BB, 2B, RBI (28), 2 RS, 2 SB (17) -- .271
DH Gaffney 3-4, 3 RBI, RS -- .259
RF McFall 2-4, 2 2B (17), BB, K, 2 RS -- .241
LF Tomlin 2-4, K, 2 RS -- .260
C Duenas 2-2, BB, RS -- .280
3B Valentin 0-4, HBP, 2 K -- .291
2B Perez 1-3, BB, SF, HR (3), 3 RBI (22) -- .290
C Donachie 0-2, K -- .273
1B R. Brown 1-3, BB, 2B (12), SF, RBI (35), E (5) -- .286

Christensen 4 1/3 IP, 5 ER, 8 H, 3 BB, 4 K, 2 HRA, WP -- ND, 5.99 ERA
Plummer 2/3 IP, K -- W, 9-2, 5.47 ERA
Cota 2/3 IP, 2 ER, 2 H, 2 BB -- 7.52 ERA, relief, or just last appearance going into break???
DeHoyos IP, 2 K -- SV, 13, 2.51 ERA

*** The domination continued Sunday in the final game before the all-star break as HD won its 11th straight over the Quakes. High Desert struck first with a run in the 2nd on a Gaffney RBI single. A 2nd run was thrown out at home on the play as McFall was cut down at the plate. Christensen gave up a 3-run homer in the 3rd to give RC the lead but the Mavs tied it that inning on a 2-run homer by Wilver Perez for his 3rd of the season. HD moved ahead with 3 in the 4th on a Falu RBI single, a Perez sac fly and Gaffney RBI ground out to make the score 6-3. Rancho Cucamonga scored twice off Christensen in the 5th but the Mavs came back with 3 on a Gaffney RBI single, Falu RBI single and Rusty Brown sac fly for a 9-5 lead. Luis Cota came in to pitch the 6th and gave up 2 runs before being pulled and RP Greg Atencio gave up another run in the 7th to cut the lead to 1. Atencio got through the 8th and DeHoyos closed it out in the 9th for the save. The Mavs are 4-2. Rodriguez was 1-4 with his 24th error to drop to .289, Sandoval was 2-5 with his 4th homer, 15th steal and 3 RBI to move to .292 and 1B Cliff Remole was 2-4 with 2 RBI to move to .294.

The all-star break starts Sunday.

Low-A - Burlington: West Michigan 2, Bees 0 (Fri.)

CF Santana 2-4, K, OF assist at home -- .253
2B Johnson 1-4 -- .259
SS McConnell 0-3, K, E (14) -- .174
C Thibault 0-3 -- .227

Penn 6 2/3 IP, 0 ER, 4 H, BB, 5 K -- ND, 2.55 ERA, good start wasted
Schambough 1 1/3 IP, 2 R (1 ER), 3 H, 2 BB, K -- L, 1-2, 1.51 ERA

*** The Bees got 5-hit by 3 Whitecaps pitchers in the loss. Michael Penn and WM SP Burke Badenhop dueled through 6 IP as Burlington had more scoring chances than the Whitecaps but couldn't cash in. The Whitecaps broke through in the top of the 9th off Schambough as a 1-out double brought the first run home and a second runner was thrown out at the plate on the play. A McConnell error two batters later allowed a second run to score and the Bees went down 1-2-3 in the bottom of the 9th. Burlington dropped to 0-2. Badenhop went 7 IP and allowed only the 5 hits with 3 Ks to drop his ERA to 3.01. RP Orlando Perdomo picked up his 16th save in the 9th to drop his ERA to 1.33. SS Michael Hollimon was 3-4 with 2 doubles and the game-winning RBI to improve to .276, CF Cameron Maybin was 0-4 to drop to .297 and DH Michael Hernandez was 0-4 to drop to .312.

West Michigan 5, Bees 1 (16/Sat.)

1B Vega 2-3, RBI (31), CS -- .237
3B Lisson 2-6, 3B, K, RS, SB (23) -- .230
DH Howell 2-5, 2B, K -- .252
SS Johnson 1-6, BB, 2 K, CS -- .256
C Thibault 0-6, 2 K, SB (3) -- .218
CF Duarte 0-7, 2 K -- .271

Kniginyzky 6 IP, ER, 5 H, 4 BB, 7 K, WP -- ND, 3.13 ERA
Damico, Hayes, de la Vara 8 IP scoreless relief, 11 K
Harkcom 2 IP, 4 ER, 5 H, 2 K -- L, 1-1, 4.66 ERA

*** West Michigan got another win in the marathon against the Bees. Kniginyzky and Whitecaps SP Lucas French locked horns for another pitchers' duel between the teams before West Michigan broke through with a run in the 6th. Miguel Vega tied the game in the 7th with an RBI single that brought home Mario Lisson. From the bottom of the 8th on, relievers took turns keeping the opposition scoreless until the 16th, when Cody Harkcom filled the bases with 0 out but got 2 outs without any damage before giving up an RBI single that scored 3 runs after a throwing error by 2B Valentino Arce. An ensuing triple brought another run home for a 5-1 Whitecaps lead. Lisson tripled with 2 out in the bottom of the 16th but no rally was ignited. The Bees are 0-3. French dropped his ERA to 3.40 with 7 IP of an ER on 4 hits and a walk. Maybin was 3-7 with 2 RS to move to .303, Hollimon was 2-6 with a double, triple and RBI to move to .277 and LF Pedro Cotto was 1-7 to drop to .294.

The series finishes Sunday afternoon. Pitchers: RH Chris Nicoll (3-4, 3.38) vs. WM RH Sendy Vasquez (3-6, 3.72). In other news, OF Carlos Arroyo came off the DL recovered from a sprained ankle and DH J.P. Lowen was put on the inactive list.

Rookie - Idaho Falls: Casper 3, Chukars 2 (Fri.)

CF Dickerson 3-4, 2B, K -- .500
2B Maddox 1-4 -- .368
DH Castillo 1-2, 2 BB, 2B, 2 RBI (4) -- .364
LF Bigler 1-4, BB, RS -- .333
3B Hayes 0-3, BB, 3 K -- .188

Hardy 5 IP, 0 ER, 4 H, 5 K -- ND, 0.00 ERA, nice first start
Baldwin 3 IP, 2 H, BB, 4 K -- 2.45 ERA
Casey 1/3 IP, 3 ER, 3 H, BB, WP -- BS, 2, L, 0-1, 54.00 ERA, two appearances, two blown saves

*** Idaho Falls had its 4th win in hand until the 9th when Bryan Casey followed up an opening-night nightmare 9th with another bad inning. Luis Castillo doubled home a run in the 1st to get the Chukars on the board and 1-0 remained the score into the 8th as Rowdy Hardy and Burke Baldwin held the Rockies to 6 hits and a walk. A wild pitch brought another Chukar run home in the 8th and Idaho Falls took a 2-0 lead into the bottom of the 9th for Casey. This time, Casey went single, wild pitch, walk, single, 2-run single, sac bunt, pulled and RP Jacob Eckley gave up a walkoff single to end the game. The Chukars dropped to 3-1. Casper SP Esmil Rogers went 6 IP and allowed only 1 ER on 5 hits and 2 BB to set a 1.50 ERA. Rockies 1B Logan Wiens was 2-4 with 2 RBI to move to .286, 3B Michael Milliron was 2-4 with a double to move to .625 and CF David Christensen was 2-4 to move to .438.

Ogden 11, Chukars 2 (Sat.)

1B Castillo 3-4, BB, RS -- .467
CF Dickerson 0-4 -- .389
2B Maddox 1-2, BB, K -- .381
C Morizio 1-3, BB, 2B, RS, PB -- .429
LF Morel 1-5, CS -- .286
* The Chukars left 11 on base.

Mozingo 3 1/3 IP, 6 R (5 ER), 7 H, K, HRA -- L, 0-1, 13.50 ERA, not the debut he wanted

*** Harold Mozingo got roughed up in his pro debut and the Chukars dropped their second straight. Ogden got a run on only 1 hit in the 1st to take an early lead and then got a 2-run triple in the 3rd to extend the lead. Mozingo gave up a 3-run homer in the 4th to help Ogden to a 6-0 lead before Idaho Falls finally broke through in the 5th on an RBI ground out by SS Eduardo Nunez. Ogden got the run back in the 6th and added 1 in the 7th and 3 in the 8th to make the score 11-1. The Chukars' other run came in the 8th when Castillo scored on an error on a ball hit by PH Brandon Lance. Idaho Falls is 3-2 and in a 3-way tie for first in the division. Ogden RF Chris Jensen was 3-5 with 2 RS to move to .417, SS Justin Fuller was 1-4 with a triple and 2 RBI to move to .455 and C John Martin was 3-4 with a double and RBI to move to .333.

The Chukars and Raptors (3-2, Rookie Dodgers) play the second of 3 this afternoon. No announced pitchers. In other news, KC signed 5th round draft pick P Jason Godin and he joined Idaho Falls.

Rookie - AZL: Royals 8, Cubs 1 (Fri.)

1B S. Lucas 3-5, 2B, 2 RBI (5), RS -- .667
DH Peralta 2-4, 2B, RBI, K, RS -- .375
SS Bianchi 1-3, BB, K, RS -- .200
2B A. Perez 1-4, BB, 2B, 3 RBI, K, RS -- .111
OF Francis 0-2, 3 BB, 2 K, RS -- .167
RF Van Stratten 1-4, RBI, RS -- .125
Derrick Robinson made debut as defensive replacement, no plate appearance
LF Dickson 1-3 -- .200
LF Dyson 1-1, RS -- pro debut

Raglione 5 IP, ER, 3 H, BB, 7 K -- ND, 1.80 ERA, nice start
Arias 3 IP, H, 2 K, WP -- W, 1-0, 0.00 ERA

*** The Royals broke a 1-1 tie in the 6th and didn't look back in running away for the win. Scott Lucas hit a 2-out RBI single in the 1st to bring Bianchi home and the Royals took a 1-0 lead. The Cubs tied it off SP Paul Raglione in the 2nd and the game stayed tied until the 6th when the Royals scored 3 on RBI doubles by Lucas and Felix Peralta and an RBI ground out by Nick Van Stratten. The Royals added 4 runs in the 8th on a bases-loaded 3-run double by Alwin Perez and an ensuing RBI double by Manuel Juan. RP Jake McClintock set the Cubs down in order in the 9th to end it. The Royals were 1-1 after the win as Henry Arias got the W in relief. Cubs C Carlos Perez was 2-3 with an RBI to move to .667 and DH Mario Mercedes was 2-4 to move to .375. Cubs OF prospect Angel Pagan was 0-3 with a walk.

Royals 13, A's 2 (Sat.)

CF D. Robinson 1-5, BB, 3 RS, 2 K, SB (1) -- .200, first pro start
LF Dyson 0-3, BB, RS -- .250
3B Coolbaugh 2-3, BB, HBP, 2B, 3 RS, SB (1) -- .300, old man in rookie league
1B S. Lucas 0-4, SF, RBI (6), 2 K -- .462
DH Peralta 1-4, BB, 2 RBI (5), K, 2 RS -- .333
RF Van Stratten 0-4, 2 BB, RBI, RS, OF assist at second -- .083
SS Juan 2-4, BB, 2B, 2 RBI, K, RS -- .500
C Saldana 1-4, BB, 2 RBI, K -- .250, debut
2B Wilson 0-1, BB, HBP, RS, E (1) -- debut

Fisher 4 IP, ER, 3 H, BB, 2 K -- ND, 2.25 ERA
Lopez 3 IP, UER, H, K -- W, 1-0, 0.00 ERA
Barrera 2 IP, 2 K -- 0.00 ERA

*** The Royals struck early and late to cruise past the A's. Felix Peralta and Nick Van Stratten drew bases-loaded walks in the 1st before Manuel Juan hit a 2-run single to give the Royals a 4-0 lead. The Royals added 2 more in the 2nd on a wild pitch that scored Derrick Robinson and a throwing error that scored a run to make the score 6-1 as the A's scored once in the 1st. Both teams scored in the 5th as Pedro Saldana singled home a run for the Royals and RP Yensi Lopez gave up an Athletics run in the bottom of the inning. The Royals put it away in the 8th as they loaded the bases with 0 out and got a Lucas sac fly, 2-run single by Peralta, bases loaded walk by Saldana and a 2-run single by LF Jose Mojica for a 13-2 lead. Henry Barrera pitched the final 2 innings to end the game. The Royals are 2-1 and a game back of the Mariners. A's 3B Marcos Luis was 2-3 with a double to set a .667 BA and LF Carlos Gutierrez was 1-4 with an RBI to move to .364. The A's only had 4 hits and also had 4 errors.

The team was set to take on the Padres Sunday morning. No announced starters.

Royals on the Farm 6/22

AAA - Omaha: Iowa 8, O-Royals 5

RF Allen 2-4, HR (8), 4 RBI (42) -- .338
2B Cortez 2-4, 2B, K, RS -- organizational and PCL debut
3B Aviles 2-4, CS -- .236
SS Clapinski 2-5, RBI, RS -- .176
1B Huber 1-4, 2 K, E (6) -- .249, back to 1B???
LF Costa 1-5, 3B, RS -- .250
CF Guiel 1-4, BB, K, RS -- .232
DH Gotay 0-4 -- .242

Bautista 3 IP, 7 ER, 6 H, 3 BB, 3 K, HRA -- L, 0-2, 9.00 ERA
Nunez 2 IP, H, BB, 2 K -- 1.08 ERA

*** Bautista's poor outing did the O-Royals in as they lost their 2nd straight game to the Cubs. Costa tripled to lead off the game and was driven home on a 2-out single by Allen to put Omaha ahead early but Bautista gave up a 2-run homer in the 1st to make the lead short-lived. A 2-run triple in the 3rd extended Iowa's lead to 3 and Bautista was pulled with the bases juiced and 0 out in the 4th. RP Ed Yarnall came in and allowed a sac fly and then a 2-run triple to give the Cubs a 7-1 lead. The Royals got back in the game somewhat with a 3-run 6th on an Allen 3-run jack for his 8th of the season. Yarnall gave a run back in the bottom of the 6th and a Clapinski 2-out RBI single in the 7th capped Omaha's scoring. Omaha is 28-45 and now in last place in the PCL American North by 1/2 a game. Iowa 2B Ryan Theriot was 2-4 with 2 RBI and 2 RS to move to .310, RF Felix Pie was 1-5 with his 5th triple and 3 RBI to drop to .256 and 1B Mike Restovich was 0-3 to drop to .310.

Game 3 is Friday night. Pitchers: RH Seth Etherton (1-1, 6.30) vs. Cubs LH Les Walrond (7-2, 3.46).

AA - Wichita: Wranglers 5, Frisco 1

3B Gordon 2-4, HR (10), RBI (31), 2 RS, E (7) -- .305
RF Butler 2-4, 2B (20), 3 RBI (51) -- .321
C Tupman 1-3, RS, pickoff of runner -- .315
CF Maier 0-4, K -- .287
LF Lubanski 1-3, 2B (17), RBI (28) -- .242
SS Sanchez 1-4, RS -- .288
2B Murphy 0-4, K -- .238

Musser 6 2/3 IP, ER, 7 H, 2 BB, 4 K -- W, 3-0, 1.01 ERA
Booker IP, H, K, WP -- 0.00 ERA, rehab
Braun IP, H, 2 K -- 1.88 ERA

*** Gordon, Butler and Musser powered the Wranglers to start the second half on the right foot. Gordon homered in his first AB for his 10th career blast and gave the Wranglers a 1-0 1st inning lead. With 2 out and the bases loaded in the 3rd, Butler cleared the bases with his 20th double and the lead became 4-0. Musser coasted through 6 innings before giving up a run in the 7th and being pulled in favor of RP Cody Smith. The Wranglers matched the run that inning on a Lubanski RBI double to make the score 5-1 and RPs Chris Booker and Braun finished the game. Wichita is starting fresh at 1-0 and sits alone atop the division for at least one day. Frisco SP Ryan Jensen brought back not-so-fond memories of his '05 in the KC organization with 6 IP of 4 ER to take the loss and drop to 2-3 with a 5.65 ERA. RoughRiders LF Jayce Tingler was 1-4 to drop to .385, 2B Adam Morrissey was 2-4 to move to .333 and 1B Nate Gold was 1-4 to drop to .292.

The teams continue the series tonight. Zack Greinke takes the hill for the Wranglers to try and improve on his 2/3 IP last outing. Frisco sends Rangers hot prospect Thomas Diamond to the mound. In other news, P Devon Lowery went back on the DL with an injured knee.

High-A - High Desert: Mavs 4, Rancho Cucamonga 3

DH Stodolka 1-3, BB, HR (8), RBI (36) -- .284
2B Gaffney 2-5, RBI, RS -- .241
CF Senreiso 1-4, 2B, 2 RBI (34), 2 K -- .226, broke 0-for-22 slump with 2-RBI double
C Donachie 1-4 -- .270
1B R. Brown 1-4, 2B (11), K, RS -- .286

Buckner 6 2/3 IP, 3 ER, 7 H, 4 BB, 9 K! -- 3.90 ERA
Barnes 2 IP, H, K -- W, 3-3, 4.19 ERA

*** High Desert won its 9th straight over Rancho Cucamonga to open the 3-game home set that leads into the Cal League all-star break. Senreiso gave Buckner a 2-0 lead in the 4th with a 2-run double and Buckner took the lead into the 6th before giving up a 2-run game-tying double that inning and a sac fly in the 7th to give the Quakes a 3-2 lead. Stodolka knotted the game at 3 with his 8th homer, a solo blast in the 8th, and RF Brian McFall got hit by a pitch to start the bottom of the 9th. He was sacrificed to second and advanced to third on a ground out. After leadoff man SS Irving Falu drew a 2-out walk, Michael Gaffney came up and came through with a walkoff single to get the Mavs the win. The Mavs are 2-2 and 1 1/2 games back of first. Quakes SS Sean Rodriguez was 0-4 with his 22nd error to drop to .293, C Michael Collins was 1-3 with his 15th double to move to .296 and 1B Cliff Remole was 1-4 with his 23rd RBI to drop to .290.

The series continues Friday night. Kyle Crist takes the mound for HD.

Low-A - Burlington: West Michigan 8, Bees 4

3B Lisson 2-3, BB, 2B (18), K, 2 RS, SB (22), CS, E (10) -- .232
SS McConnell 2-4, K, RS -- .177
C Howell 2-4, 2 K, RBI (14), PB (7) -- .245
2B Johnson 0-4, BB, K -- .259
CF Duarte 0-5, 2 K -- .282
LF Everett 0-0, BB, E (2) -- .298, left in 4th with dislocated left shoulder
DH Thibault 0-4, K -- .232

Rosa 4 IP, 7 R (6 ER), 9 H, 2 BB, 2 K, HRA, balk -- L, 6-4, 3.16 ERA
Oliveros 3 IP, ER, 2 H, K, HRA -- 2.68 ERA
Garcia 2 IP, 2 BB, 2 K -- 3.09 ERA

*** The Whitecaps scored 7 runs in the first 4 innings off Rosa to end the pitcher's 5-game win streak and start the Bees' second half on a sour note. Rosa gave up a 2-out, 2-run double in the 1st to put the Bees down early but Burlington got 1 run back in the 1st on a fielding error on a ball hit by Kyle Thibault that scored Lisson. West Michigan added single runs in the 2nd and 3rd and then 3 in the 4th thanks in part to errors by Lisson and Everett. Everett fell down later in the inning trying to chase down a fly ball and dislocated his shoulder as a run scored to give the Whitecaps a 7-1 lead. Jeff Howell singled home a run for Burlington in the 4th and another run scored on a WM error to cut the lead to 4. The Bees cut further into the lead in the 5th as Lisson stole third and scored on a throwing error. That was all the Bees could muster, tho, as the Whitecaps added some insurance in the 7th. Burlington is 0-1. Whitecaps CF Cameron Maybin was 0-4 to drop to .306, DH Michael Hernandez was 3-5 with his 4th homer and 2 RBI to move to .324 and LF Pedro Cotto was 1-4 with 2 RBI to drop to .300.

The series continues Friday night. Pitchers: RH Michael Penn (5-2, 2.87) vs. WM RH Burke Badenhop (7-2, 3.27). In other quasi-Burlington news, 2005 Bees pitcher Rusty Begnaud, who now pitches for an indy league team in Pensacola, Fla.., was partially paralyzed in a diving accident at a teammate's pool Tuesday. According to newspaper reports, he's paralyzed from the chest down at this point after breaking some cervical vertebrae in his neck. He is breathing on his own, tho, and can raise his arms as of Thursday. He was 6-2 in eight starts with a 2.70 earned-run average for the Pensacola Pelicans.

Rookie - Idaho Falls: Chukars 11, Casper 5

2B Maddox 3-5, 3B, 2 RBI, K -- .400
3B Hayes 2-5, RBI, K, 2 RS -- .231
1B Castillo 2-5, 2 RBI, 2 RS -- .333
CF Bigler 1-5, K, 2 RS, SB (3) -- .375
LF Morel 1-5, RBI (8), HBP -- .312
C Lance 1-4, BB, 2B, 2 RS -- .250, pro debut
*32 runs in 3 games!

Gutierrez 4 1/3 IP, 5 R (3 ER), 9 H, BB, 2 K, E (1) -- ND, 6.23 ERA
Best 4 2/3 IP, 2 H, 3 K -- W, 1-0, 1.50 ERA, first pro win for 14th rounder out of Southern Miss

*** The Chukars scored 8 unanswered runs in staying undefeated. Casper took a 1-0 lead off SP Daniel Gutierrez in the 1st but the Chukars took the lead with 3 in the 3rd on an RBI single by 1B Luis Castillo and a 2-run triple by 2B Marc Maddox, who is already paying dividends as an '06 draftee. A Gutierrez throwing error helped the Rockies tie the game in the bottom of the 3rd and Casper moved ahead with 2 runs off Gutierrez in the 5th before Dan Best came in to relieve. Best allowed only 2 hits over the remainder of the game and the Chukar offense came back to life in the 6th with 6 runs on a wild pitch after a double steal, an RBI force out by SS Eduardo Nunez, a Hayes RBI single, a Castillo RBI single, a passed ball and another wild pitch to take a 9-5 lead. A 3rd passed ball on Casper C Austin Rauch allowed Bigler to score in the 7th and the Chukars added a run in the 9th on a Morel RBI single for his 8th ribby of the season through 3 games. Idaho Falls is 3-0. Jhaysson Agustin, who had caught in the Rockies' first 2 games, pitched 2 innings of relief Thursday and allowed an ER with 2 K. Casper 1B Steven Suarez was 3-4 with 2 RBI to move to .375, RF David Christensen was 2-4 with his 5th RBI to move to .417 and 3B Derek Kinzler was 2-5 to set his BA at .400.

The teams finish the series Friday night. Rowdy Hardy makes his season debut for the Chukars in the start.

Rookie - AZL: Rangers 7, Royals 6

SS Bianchi 0-2, BB
1B S. Lucas 3-4, 2B, 3B, 3 RBI, 2 RS, E (1)
RF Peralta 1-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, K
DH Francis 1-4, RS
CF Van Stratten 0-4, RBI, K
LF Dickson 0-2

A. Morales 2 2/3 IP, 4 ER, 6 H, BB, 2 K, 2 HRA -- L, 0-1, 13.50 ERA
Martinez 2 1/3 IP, 2 H, BB, K
M. Morales 2 IP, 3 ER, 4 H, BB, HRA -- 13.50 ERA

*** The Rangers jumped in front early and held on to win in both teams' season opener. SP Angelo Morales gave up 3 runs in the 1st, including a 2-run homer, and then gave up a solo homer in the 2nd to spot the Rangers a 4-0 lead. The Royals were silent until the 6th when RF Felix Peralta cracked a 2-out, 2-run homer to cut the lead to 4-2. RP Miguel Morales came in to pitch the 6th and gave up a homer and 3 runs to increase the lead to 5. The Royals rallied for 4 in the 8th on a bases-loaded triple by 1B Scott Lucas and RBI ground out by '06 draftee CF Nick Van Stratten but couldn't get a tying run on base. The Royals are 0-1. Rangers SP Shane Funk pitched a hitless 3 innings but walked 3. 2B Aarom Baldiris was 3-5 with a double, 3B Mauro Gomez was 2-4 with a homer and 3 RBI and RF Timothy Rodriguez was 2-3 with a homer and 2 RBI. C Carlos Dominguez also had a homer.

The team was set to play the Cubs Friday morning.

Royals on the Farm 6/21

AAA - Omaha: Iowa 1, O-Royals 0

DH Allen 2-4, 2B, 2 K -- .335
LF Huber 1-3, 2B (7), 2 K, OF assist at second -- .249
RF Costa 0-4, 3 K -- .273
CF Guiel 0-4, 2 K -- .231
SS Blanco 0-2, HBP -- .272

MacDougal IP, ER, 0 H, BB -- L, 0-1, 9.00, rehabbing
Osborne 4 IP, 6 H, 2 K -- 3.24 ERA
Baerlocher 2 IP, nothing -- 3.65 ERA
Loux IP, K -- 8.69 ERA

*** MacDougal got the start and gave up a run in his IP before three Royals pitchers and Iowa SP Rich Hill dueled it out with Hill coming out on top. MacDougal walked the leadoff man in the 1st, who then stole second and advanced to third on an error by Omaha 2B Chris Clapinski. A sac fly brought him home for what would be the only run of the game. Omaha only had 4 hits in the game and couldn't take advantage of 2 Cubs errors. Omaha had 11 straight outs to end the game and Costa, Clapinski and C Paul Phillips each struck out 3 times. Omaha is 28-44. Hill allowed only the 4 hits with 10 K over 7 IP in improving to 4-1 with a 2.12 ERA. RP Michael Wuertz finished the game for his 5th save and had 5 Ks in 2 IP to drop his ERA to 1.69. Cubs CF prospect Felix Pie was 2-4 to move to .257, LF Mike Restovich was 1-3 with his 32nd RBI to move to .315 and SS Ryan Theriot was 0-3 with his 13th SB to drop to .307.

The series continues Thursday night. Pitchers: RH Denny Bautista (0-1, 5.00) vs. Cubs LH Ryan O'Malley (3-3, 3.94). IF Fernando Cortez is set to join the Royals later this week.

AA - Wichita: all-star break final day

*** The Wranglers get back into action Thursday night as the Frisco RoughRiders (35-35 first half, AA Rangers) come to town to start a 4-gamer. Wranglers standouts Alex Gordon and Billy Butler were announced Wednesday as two of the members for the U.S.' roster in the '06 Futures game during All-Star weekend festivities in Pittsburgh. That game is usually televised on ESPN or ESPN2.

High-A - High Desert: Mavs 6, Inland Empire 2

3B Lucas 3-4, 2 2B (17), 3 RBI (29), RS, 2 SB (10) -- .254
LF Tomlin 3-4, 2B, RBI, 2 RS, K -- .242
RF Valentin 1-4, 2B, E (6) -- .299
2B Perez 1-5, RBI (19), 2 K -- .292
DH McFall 0-4, RBI (41), RS -- .239

Gragg III 8 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 0 BB, 11 K! -- W, 3-3, 3.40 ERA, gotta like that K/BB ratio
DeHoyos IP, BB -- 2.60 ERA

*** John Gragg had a great start and the Mavs got their first win of the second half. High Desert got it going in the 2nd as McFall hit an RBI ground out and Lucas doubled 2 runs home to make the score 3-0. Perez singled home a run in the 5th to extend the lead and Gragg took a 1-hitter through 6 IP. IE broke through for 2 in the 7th but the Mavs put it away with 2 in the 9th on a James Tomlin RBI double and a Lucas RBI single. High Desert is 1-2. IE 2B Jack Arroyo was 1-4 to drop to .417 and DH Brian Schweiger was 1-3 to drop to .407. Either all the 66ers' studs had the day off or some roster moves were made after Tuesday's end of the first half.

A 3-game home set with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (1-2, High-A Angels) starts Thursday night. RH Billy Buckner starts for the Mavs.

Low-A - Burlington: all star break final day

*** The Bees start the second half at home Thursday night with the first of 4 against the West Michigan Whitecaps (Low-A Tigers). Carlos Rosa (6-3, 2.57) starts for Burlington.

Rookie - Idaho Falls: Chukars 11, Casper 9

RF Bigler 2-3, 2 BB, 2 RBI, 3 RS, 2 SB (2) -- .667
CF Dickerson 1-5, 3B (2), RBI, 3 K, RS -- .400
SS Gil 2-4, 2 RBI, RS -- .500
C Morizio 2-4, BB, RBI, RS, 2 SB against, 3 CS against, pickoff -- .500
LF Morel 1-5, K, HR (1), SF, 4 RBI (7) -- .364
DH Hayes 1-3, 2 BB, 2 K, RS -- .125
2B Maddox 1-4, BB, 2B (3), RS -- .300
*Each member of the lineup scored at least once.

Teaford 2 1/3 IP, 4 ER, 4 H, 2 BB, K, pickoff -- ND, 15.43 ERA, rough start to career
Abreu 2 2/3 IP, 4 ER, 2 H, 4 BB, 3 K, WP -- 13.50 ERA
Hartsock 4 IP, ER, H, 2 BB, 4 K, WP -- W, 1-0, 2.25 ERA, nice start to career

*** The Chukars came from behind three times to get another close win over the Rockies. '06 draftee Everett Teaford gave up 3 runs in the 1st to spot Casper a lead and he and RP Juan Abreu gave up another run in the 3rd to make the score 3-0 Rockies. The game turned in the 4th as Idaho Falls scored 7 on a bases loaded balk, an RBI single by '06 draftee Brett Bigler, who had a great game, a 2-run single by Gilbert Gil and a 3-run homer by OF Alvi Morel. Casper stormed back to take the lead with 4 in the 5th thanks to Abreu walking the bases full and giving up a ground-rule double and RBI single. The Chukars tied it in the 6th on a Morel sac fly but Casper regained the lead that inning off another '06 draftee, Aaron Hartsock. The see-saw lead went back IF's way in the 7th as the Chukars scored 2 on a Dickerson RBI triple and Bigler RBI single. Hartsock settled down to get through the 7th and 8th and the Chukars added a run in the 9th on a ground out by '06 draftee C Matt Morizio. Hartsock got a double-play ball to end the game in the bottom of the 9th. Idaho Falls is 2-0 and the only undefeated team in the Pioneer League thus far. Casper 3B Michael Milliron was 3-4 with a double and 3 RS to set a .750 BA and C Jhaysson Agustin was 2-4 with 2 doubles, 3 RBI and 2 RS to move to .286.

Game 3 of the 4-gamer is Thursday night. No announced starters.

Rookie - AZL: opening day Thursday

The Royals open the season in Arizona against the Rangers. Players to watch on this team include '05 2nd round stud SS Jeff Bianchi, who hopefully is past his back problems that shortened his 2005 campaign, new signee '06 2nd round pick 3B Jason Taylor, 4th rounder OF Derrick Robinson, 10th rounder OF Nick Van Stratten, 15th rounder OF Nicholas Francis, 16th rounder SS Tyrone Wilson, '05 7th round pick P Brent Fisher and '05 8th rounder C Nick Doscher. The organization got 3rd rounder P Blake Wood signed but I haven't seen if he'll be stationed in Arizona or Idaho Falls to start his career.

Royals on the Farm 6/20

AAA - Omaha: off day

*** A 5-game set with the Iowa Cubs starts tonight. No announced starter for Omaha yet. J.P. Howell was supposed to start but with his trade to TB, that's not gonna happen. No word yet on if trade pickup IF Fernando Cortez is joining the team today. Omaha is 28-43.

AA - Wichita: TL South 1, TL North 0

3B Gordon 0-4, 4 K -- downer
LF Butler 1-4, 3 K -- ditto, did have one of team's 4 hits
OF Maier 0-3, SB
C Tupman 1-1, 2B, BB, PB -- nice showing, team's only XBH but passed ball helped South score only run

Song IP, H, K
Braun IP, 3 K! -- great inning of work, 14 pitches, 13 strikes

*** Corpus Christi CF Josh Anderson had the game's only RBI and each team only had 4 hits. The all-star break continues Wednesday before the Wranglers start the second-half with a 4-game home set with Frisco Thursday. In other team news, the Wichita Eagle reported Springdale, Ark., may be wooing the Wranglers with a sales tax for a new stadium on an upcoming election ballot. The stadium would be built by 2008. If the city of Wichita wants to keep the team, they'd have to pay $10 million if the owners (Bob and Mindy Rich) decide to break the lease. The Wranglers are last in the league in attendance. Really, if they can't draw fans this year with most of if not all the organizational studs in town, when can they?

High-A - High Desert: Inland Empire 16, Mavs 10

2B Perez 4-4, BB, RBI (18), 3 RS -- .294
1B Stodolka 0-3, BB, SF, RBI (35), 2 K, E (10) -- .284
RF McFall 2-4, BB, HR (11), 4 RBI (40), K, E (5) -- .244
DH R. Brown 2-4, 3 RBI (35), K, HBP, RS -- .290
LF Valentin 0-2, 3 BB, RS -- .300
C Donachie 0-4, BB, RBI (18), RS -- .270

Cota 2/3 IP, 4 ER, 3 H, 3 BB, 0 K -- L, 3-7, 7.34 ERA, disgusting
4 other pitchers got creamed like Charlie Brown, too

*** So much for the first-half title. Five Mav pitchers threw batting practice for 9 innings and Inland Empire cashed in with all but 2 of their runs in the first 5 innings. Cota got the first 2 outs in the 1st but then went single, walk, single (run), walk, walk (run in), single (2 runs), pulled. Maybe a little early to pull him but I guess the manager had seen enough. A 3-run IE homer in the 2nd made the score 7-0 but the Mavs got on the board in the 3rd on an RBI single by Wilver Perez. IE scored twice more in the 3rd and 3 more times in the 4th to make the score 12-1. Brown singled home 2 runs in the 5th to cut the lead to 9 but IE got them back in the bottom of the inning thanks in part to errors by Stodolka and McFall. The Mavs broke through in the 7th as they loaded the bases with 1 out and Donachie drew a walk to bring a run home. McFall came up next and smoked a grand slam to left to cut the lead to 14-8. Two runs in the 8th on a Stodolka sac fly and Brown RBI single cut the lead to 4 but the Mavs could get no closer. The 66ers scored two more in the 8th to make the final 16-10. High Desert is 0-2 after finishing the first half at 39-31. 66ers 2B Yung-Chi Chen was 4-6 with his 16th double and 43rd, 44th and 45th RBI to improve to .335, 3B Matt Tuiasosopo was 1-4 with his 34th RBI to drop to .306, RF Mike Wilson was 2-4 with his 9th homer and 36th, 37th and 38th RBI to move to .315 and CF Brent Johnson was 3-6 with 3 RBI to move to .292. Two other players had multi-hit games.

The teams finish the set tonight and John Gragg III starts for HD.

Low-A - Burlington: MWL East 7, MWL West 1

2B Johnson 0-2, K

Nicoll 2/3 IP, 2 K
de la Vara 1/3 IP, K, WP
Kniginyzky DNP

*** The Bees' West compatriots got blitzed by the East. Reds prospect Jay Bruce was MVP with a 2-run homer, a double and single. Burlington finished the first half 35-32 and has Wednesday off before getting back into action against East first-half champ West Michigan Thursday.

Rookie - Idaho Falls: Chukars 10, Casper 8 (10)

CF Dickerson 3-5, 3B, 2 RS
LF Morel 3-6, 3 RBI, 2 K, 2 RS
2B Maddox 2-6, 2 2B, RBI, K, RS
3B Hayes 0-5, 2 K, E

Cordier 6 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 0 BB, 11 K!!!, E -- ND, great opening start, missed '05 with injuries
Casey 1/3 IP, 2 ER, 2 H, 2 BB, balk -- BS, 1
Eckley 1 2/3 IP, 2 ER, 2 H, BB, K, WP -- W, 1-0

*** The Chukars took a 6-3 lead and an Erik Cordier win into the 9th but struggled to pull the win out in 10. The Chukars threatened early but couldn't get a run until they scored 2 in the 5th on an RBI single by Alvi Morel and RBI double by Marc Maddox. SS Eduardo Nunez tripled home a run for IF in the 6th and 2 runs in the 7th on a wild play make the score 5-0. Morel singled to lead off the 7th and Maddox reached and scored on one play as the Rockies made 3 throwing errors. Cordier left with a 2-hitter after 6 IP and '06 draftee RP Burke Baldwin came in for his pro debut. He gave up a leadoff homer (he'll never forget his first batter faced) and a Shawn Hayes error kept the inning going before Baldwin left with 2 out and runners on second and third. Another '06 draftee, RP Dan Best, came in and gave up a 2-run double to the first batter he faced before getting out of the inning with a 5-3 Chukar lead. Joe Dickerson led off the Idaho Falls 8th with a triple and scored on a Nunez DP ball to make the score 6-3 and that was the score when RP Bryan Casey, an '05 draft-and-follow signee, came in with 1 on and 0 out in the 9th. Casey's pro debut was also somewhat unpleasant as he went walk, balk, walk, RBI single, RBI force out, RBI single, pulled and the game was tied at 6. RP Jacob Eckley came in and got a force out at home and then a K to end the inning and keep the Chukars alive. Two walks and a Dickerson single loaded the bases with no outs in the 10th but 2 strikeouts put Idaho Falls in danger of squandering the great scoring chance. C Ross Boudreaux came through with an RBI single and a wild pitch brought another run home before Morel singled 2 more runs home for a 10-6 Chukar lead. Eckley put 1 runner on but got 2 outs in the bottom of the 10th before Casper rallied with an RBI single and RBI triple to cut the lead to 2. Eckley induced a ground out to end the threat. IF is 1-0. Casper CF Maruis Loupadiere was 2-3 with an RBI and 3 RS, 3B Hector Gomez was 2-5 with 2 RBI and DH Kevin Clark was 1-4 with a homer.

The teams continue their series tonight in Casper. No announced starters.

Rookie - AZL: season starts Thursday

The organization's other rookie-level team gets busy Thursday as they start the season against the Rangers.

Royals on the Farm 6/19 -- Rookie leagues open

AAA - Omaha: Memphis 4, O-Royals 3 (7/game 1)

SS Blanco 1-2, HR (2), SF, 2 RBI (17), K, 2 E (15) -- .272
LF Costa 1-4, 2B -- .250
CF Guiel 0-3, RS -- .239
RF Allen 0-3 -- .332
2B Gotay 0-3, K -- .244

Hernandez 6 IP, 4 R (3 ER), 4 H, BB, 5 K, HRA, WP -- L, 3-4, 5.53 ERA

*** Runelvys gave up a backbreaker homer in the 5th and Omaha dropped another game to Memphis in the opener of a doubleheader. Fatty allowed a run in the 2nd but Omaha tied it in the 3rd on a Blanco sac fly after Mike Aviles led off the inning with a double. Guiel scored in the 4th on a Memphis fielding error on a ball hit by Paul Phillips to make the score 2-1 and Omaha added another run in the 5th on Blanco's 2nd homer, a solo shot to left. Runelvys gave up a leadoff double in the 5th and later wild pitched the run home before Redbirds LF Brian Martin struck for his first homer of the season for Memphis and the 2-run shot gave Memphis a 4-3 lead. Orber Moreno and Brian Falkenborg finished Omaha off. Omaha dropped to 27-43. Falkenborg picked up his 10th save and dropped his ERA to 3.38. Martin was 1-2 with 2 RBI to move to .270 and CF Skip Schumaker was 0-3 to drop to .280.

O-Royals 3, Memphis 1 (10/game 2)

RF Costa 2-3, BB -- .429
SS Blanco 1-2, BB, HBP, 2 RS -- .275
LF Allen 1-3, 2 BB, 2 RBI (38) -- .332
CF Guiel 1-5, RBI (27) -- .238
2B Gotay 1-3, BB, K, picked off -- .245

Hudson 4 IP, ER, 3 H, BB, 2 K -- ND, 2.30 ERA
Boehringer 4 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 2 K -- W, 1-3, 2.88 ERA
Nelson IP, K -- SV, 6, 2.33 ERA

*** The Omaha offense nearly squandered good pitching performances but turned on in the 10th to get the win. Hudson gave up 3 hits in the 1st as Memphis scored a run and Redbirds SP Randy Leek held Omaha in check until the 6th when Guiel came through with a 1-out RBI single. Mike Aviles grounded into 2 inning-ending double plays with runners in scoring position and the game stayed tied at 1. With 2 on and 2 out in the 10th, Allen came through with a 2-run single before Aviles grounded into a force out to end another inning. Nelson set Memphis down in order in the bottom of the 10th to end the game. Omaha improved to 28-43 and is still 11 1/2 games out of first. Schumaker was 1-3 to move to .281.

Omaha had Tuesday off and starts a 5-game set at the Iowa Cubs (32-38, AAA guess who) Wednesday.

AA - Wichita: all-star break

The Wranglers' all-star reps play tonight in the TL All-Star Game in Little Rock, Ark. The Wranglers ended the first half at 34-36 and 7 games out of first.

High-A - High Desert: Inland Empire 5, Mavs 0

1B Stodolka 0-4, K -- .288
LF Valentin 2-4, 2B, K -- .303
DH R. Brown 2-3, K -- .286
C Donachie 0-2, K, PB (7) -- .276

Christensen 5 IP, 3 ER, 6 H, BB, 5 K -- L, 1-5, 5.75 ERA

*** 66ers starter Robert Rohrbaugh pitched a complete-game 4-hitter and Inland Empire tied the Mavs for the first-half title. Christensen gave up 2 runs in the 4th and another in the 5th and the Mavs scattered their 4 hits over 4 innings and never seriously threatened. High Desert is 0-1 in the second half in the weird situation where IE was playing its final first-half game and HD its first second-half game. Rohrbaugh K'd 10 in moving to 7-1 with a 1.46 ERA. IE 2B Yung-Chi Chen was 1-4 to drop to .327, 3B Matt Tuiasosopo was 1-3 with his 33rd RBI to move to .307 and RF Mike Wilson was 1-4 to drop to .311.

The loss snapped a 9-game win streak and set up Tuesday's winner-take-all game with IE for the first-half title, as the tiebreaker sets forth the first second-half game between the two determines the champ. Luis Cota pitches for HD, so the Mavs need him on top of his game.

Low-A - Burlington: all-star break

The Bees ended the first half at 35-32. They get back into action Thursday.

Rookie - Idaho Falls: opening day Tuesday

The Chukars start their season with a 4-game set at the Casper Rockies (Rookie guess who). Idaho Falls' opening roster includes '06 draft picks P Harold Mozingo (6th rd), OF Brett Bigler (7th), 2B Marc Maddox (9th), P Everett Teaford (12th), P Dan Best (14th), C Matt Morizio (17th), P Burke Baldwin (21st), P Romas Hicks (22nd), P Aaron Hartsock (23rd), C Brandon Lance (31st) and 2005 draftees OF Joe Dickerson, SS Shawn Hayes and draft-and-follow P Bryan Casey. 1B Jase Turner is the main returnee.

Royals on the Farm 6/17 and 18

AAA - Omaha: O-Royals 1, Memphis 0 (Sat.)

CF Guiel 2-4, 2B (12), HR (8), RBI (26), K -- .244
LF Huber 0-4, 4 K! -- .247, not a good day
RF Allen 1-4, 2 K -- .337
SS Blanco 0-2, BB, K, E (13) -- .269

Etherton 5 1/3 IP, 0 ER, 4 H, BB, 7 K -- W, 3-3, 4.70 ERA
Yarnall 2 IP, 2 H, BB, 3 K -- 3.60 ERA
Nelson 1 2/3 IP, H, BB, K -- SV, 5, 2.42 ERA

*** A 1-0 Omaha lead survived over 2 hours of rain delays. Guiel hit his 8th homer in the 3rd AB of the game and Omaha had a very early 1-0 lead. Memphis loaded the bases with 0 out in the 5th thanks in part to a throwing error by Omaha 1B Rick Bell but Etherton got a line out and double play to escape the jam. The Redbirds loaded the bases again with 2 out in the 8th but Joe Nelson got a ground out to again salvage the lead for the Royals. A 2-out hit in the 9th was meaningless as Nelson finished the job for his 5th save. Memphis had 7 hits to Omaha's 5 and the Royals survived 2 errors. Omaha moved to 27-42. Former KC farmhand Dennis Tankersley allowed only 1 ER on 4 H with 9 K over 6 IP but took the loss to drop to 2-8 with a 4.15 ERA. CF Skip Schumaker was 1-4 to drop to .286 and 2B Derek Wathan was 1-5 to drop to .286.

Sunday's game was rained out. It'll be made up as part of a Monday doubleheader. Runelvys and Luke Hudson will likely be Omaha's two starters.

AA - Wichita: Saturday's game was rained out and put into a 7-inning doubleheader Sunday.

Sunday G1: Arkansas 17, Wranglers 2

3B Gordon 0-3 -- .301
RF Butler 0-3, E (5) -- .315
SS Sanchez 2-4 -- .292
CF Maier 0-2, BB -- .296
C Tupman 1-2, BB, 2B, K, RS -- .315
DH D. Brown 1-3, HR (2), RBI (18) -- .223
LF Lubanski 0-2, BB -- .237
2B Murphy 1-3 -- .224

MacDougal IP, K -- rehab start
Greinke 2/3 IP, 8 ER, 4 H, 4 BB -- L, 2-1, 8.47 ERA, uuuuuuuuuugly
Three other pitchers got shelled, too

*** Arkansas crushed the Wranglers starting with Greinke and rolling until the end of the 7th. Greinke's nightmare 2nd went like this -- single, RBI double, walk, fly out, walk, 3-run double (w/ Butler error), sac fly, double, walk, walk, pulled. RP Devon Lowery came in and hit his first batter to bring home a run, gave up a 2-run single and then a 3-run homer to cap an 11-run Travs inning. The Travs touched Lowery and Cedeno up for 4 more in the 4th and 2 more off Cedeno in the 5th for a 17-0 lead. Dee Brown homered to lead off Wichita's 7th and Tupman scored on a wild pitch later in the inning to account for the Wrangler runs. Wichita dropped to 33-35. Travs C Bobby Wilson was 1-2 with 2 RBI and 3 RS to move to .307, SS Brandon Wood was 1-3 with his 15th HR and 46th and 47th RBI to move to .288 and 3B Matt Brown was 2-2 with 3 RS to move to .284.

Sunday G2: Wranglers 8, Arkansas 5

Gordon DNP
RF Butler 2-3, 2B (19), BB, 2 RS, E (6) -- .322
2B Murphy 4-4, 2 2B (13), RBI (21), 3 RS -- .242
CF Lubanski 2-4, 3B, K, 2 RBI (27), RS, OF assist at third -- .243
DH Maier 0-4 -- .294
SS Sanchez 0-3, SF, RBI (28) -- .285
1B Groves 2-4, 4 RBI, RS -- .197

Middleton 3 IP, 4 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 4 K, HRA, 2 WP -- ND, 4.20 ERA
Markray 3 IP, ER, 3 H, 2 K, HRA -- W, 4-0, 2.28 ERA
Braun IP, H, K -- SV, 10, 1.93 ERA

*** A 5-run 3rd helped the Wranglers split the twinbill. Brett Groves started a nice day with an RBI ground out in the 2nd to give Wichita a 1-0 lead but Middleton gave up a 2-run homer in the bottom of the inning. Murphy doubled home a run before Lubanski hit a 2-run triple to give Wichita the lead. Groves singled Lubanski home and Sanchez added a sac fly later in the inning to make the score 6-2 Wichita. Middleton allowed 2 runs in the 3rd to cut the lead in half but Groves singled 2 runs home in the 4th to get the runs back. Markray allowed a homer in the 6th but he and Braun kept the Travs silent otherwise. Wichita is 34-35. Wood was 1-3 with his 26th double to stay at .288 but also made his 16th error, Brown was 2-4 to move to .282 and DH Greg Porter was 1-3 with his 8th homer and 30th RBI to improve to .283.

So ends the first half for Wichita. The all-star break ends Wednesday and the second half begins Thursday.

High-A - High Desert: Mavs 9, Rancho Cucamonga 4 (Sat.)

1B Stodolka 0-3, 2 BB, RBI (34), RS, K -- .298
LF Valentin 3-5, K, RBI (32), RS -- .295
DH R. Brown 3-4, HBP, RBI (31), RS -- .278
C Duenas 2-5, 2B, HR (5), 3 RBI -- .241
3B Lucas 2-4, K, RS -- .244
2B Perez 0-3, 2 BB, RS -- .291

Buckner 2 IP, 3 ER, H, 4 BB, 3 K -- ND, 3.89 ERA
Atencio 2 1/3 IP, H, 2 K -- W, 2-0, 4.76 ERA

*** The Mavs kept a great winning streak rolling with 9 unanswered runs from the 6th on to stay in the race for the first-half division title. Buckner walked in a run in the 2nd and gave up a 2-run double to allow the Quakes to take a 3-0 lead. RP Brandon Weeden came in to pitch the 3rd and gave up a solo homer to make the score 4-0 RC. Quakes SP Fernando Rodriguez Jr. kept the Mavs in check through 5 innings but, in the 6th, 2 errors, including 1 by Rodriguez, helped the Mavs score 2 runs on a force out by Stodolka. RP Joseph Torres came in for RC to pitch the 8th and the Mavericks got to him quickly. Wilver Perez scored on a wild pitch, an error helped Valentin score on a sac bunt by Juan Senreiso, Rusty Brown singled a run home, Tomas Duenas hit a 3-run homer for his 5th of '06 to put the Mavs ahead and Valentin later hit his second single of the inning to bring the 9th run home for HD. High Desert improved to 38-31 and stayed a half-game back of Inland Empire with 1 game left in the first half. Rodriguez allowed only the 2 unearned runs over 7 IP to drop his ERA to 4.20. SS Sean Rodriguez was 2-4 to move to .301 and made his 20th error, C Michael Collins was 0-3 to drop to .296 and 3B Freddy Sandoval was 0-4 with 4 Ks to drop to .297.

Mavs 7, Rancho Cucamonga 6 (Sun.)

1B Stodolka 0-3, HBP -- .294
LF Valentin 2-4, 2B, RBI (33), RS -- .299
SS Falu 2-4, BB, K, RBI (26), RS -- .273
DH R. Brown 2-4, HR (8), RBI (32) -- .281
3B Lucas 2-4, 2 K, RS -- .249
C Donachie 1-4, HR (4), RBI (17) -- .280
RF McFall 1-2, BB, HR (10), RBI (36), HBP, 2 RS, OF assist at home -- .242

Crist 5 1/3 IP, 2 ER, 6 H, BB, 4 K, HRA -- W, 3-1, 4.02 ERA
DeHoyos IP, 4 ER, 3 H, 2 BB, 3 K -- 2.70 ERA
Barnes 1/3 IP, H, K -- SV, 3, 3.63 ERA

*** High Desert held off a late Quake surge to win their 7th consecutive game over RC and their 9th in a row overall. Crist gave up a homer to the first batter he faced but McFall matched it with his 10th to lead off the 3rd. The Mavs added 3 more that inning on a Valentin RBI double and 2 runs on a throwing error by RC catcher Tim Duff on a pickoff attempt. Donachie cracked a solo shot in the 4th for his 4th of the year to make the score 5-1 but the Quakes got the run back off Crist in the 5th. The score remained 5-2 into the 9th when Rusty Brown led off the Mavs' half with his 8th homer and Falu singled a run home to give HD insurance at 7-2. DeHoyos loaded the bases with 0 out in the bottom of the inning before striking out 2. He then walked in a run and gave up a 2-run single to Sandoval. Barnes took over on the mound and gave up an RBI single but then got Sean Rodriguez to strike out to end the game. The Mavs improved to 39-31 and a 6-3 win by Visalia over Inland Empire gave the Mavs a half game lead on the first-half division title and a playoff berth. CF Josh Leblanc was 3-5 with his 2nd homer to move to .262, Rodriguez was 0-5 with 4 K to drop to .295 and Sandoval was 1-3 with 2 RBI to move to .297.

The Mavs and the Inland Empire 66ers (38-31, High-A Mariners) start a 3-game home set on Monday. I guess the first game ends Inland Empire's first half so if they win tomorrow the teams end up tied for the division lead as the Mavs' first half is already done. Not sure how that works but that's what the team site said. Daniel Christensen gets the start for High Desert.

Low-A - Burlington: Bees 5, Clinton 4 (Sat.)

2B Johnson 0-2, 2 BB, SB (11), CS -- .265
1B Everett 1-3, BB, RS -- .304
C Thibault 1-3, BB, 2 RS -- .241
SS McConnell 1-3, BB, CS -- .168

Nicoll 6 IP, ER, 3 H, 4 K, HRA -- ND, 2.38 ERA, looking good in first half
Oliveros 1 2/3 IP, 2 UER, H -- 2.66 ERA
Hayes 1 1/3 IP, ER, H, K -- BS, 2, W, 2-2, 1.78 ERA

*** The Bees survived blowing a 3-run lead late to win in the 9th. DH Jeff Howell singled home 2 runs in the 2nd thanks in part to a LumberKing error and OF Ethien Santana singled another run home in the inning to make the score 3-0. Brady Everett singled in the 3rd to bring home another run with the aid of another Clinton error. Nicoll gave up a homer in the 3rd to get Clinton on the scoreboard but had another great start before leaving after the 6th. With 2 out in the Clinton 8th, Bees OF Antonio Sabatini made an error to keep the inning alive and the LumberKings cashed in. Rayner Oliveros allowed an RBI single before Chris Hayes came in and hit a batter and gave up a game-tying 2-run single before getting out of the inning. PH John Lowen singled home Thibault in the 9th and Hayes set Clinton down in order in the bottom of the inning to end it. The Bees moved to 34-32. Clinton CF Truan Mehl was 2-3 with his 3rd homer to move to .232.

Bees 8, Clinton 3 (Sun.)

DH Howell 3-4, 2B, K, 2 RS -- .238
1B Vega 1-3, HR (7), 3 RBI (30), K -- .229
LF Everett 1-5, 3 K, RBI (9), OF assist at third -- .298
2B Arce 2-4, RBI, RS, SB (3) -- .229
SS McConnell 1-4, RS -- .170
C Thibault 0-1, K, HBP -- .239

Kniginyzky 5 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 2 K, WP -- W, 7-3, 3.24 ERA
Penn 3 IP, ER, 3 H, K -- 2.87 ERA

*** A 5-run 6th made the difference for the Bees. Kniginyzky allowed a run in the 3rd and another in the 5th to spot Clinton a 2-0 lead but Burlington broke through in the 6th as a throwing error allowed Howell to score the first run, OF Jeremy Jirschele hit a sac fly and Vega hit a 3-run homer for his 7th of the year to give the Bees a 5-2 lead. Another LumberKing error allowed the Bees a run in the 7th before Arce and Everett singled home runs to make the score 8-2. Clinton scored again in the 7th but that was it. The Bees end the first half at 35-32. It's the team's first time ending a half with a winning record since 1999 and the first time ending the first half with a winning record since '97, both of which are remarkable. Clinton C Brian Valichka was 3-4 with 2 doubles to move to .233 and RF Joseph Kemp was 2-3 with his 6th triple to move to .241.

The Bees start their all-star break Monday.