Royals on the Farm 7/30

AAA - Omaha: Tucson 14, O-Royals 3

1B Keppinger 2-5, RS -- .432
RF Allen 2-5, E (6) -- .325
C Tupman 2-3, BB, PB (2) -- .262
3B Aviles 2-4, RS -- .251
CF K. Robinson 1-4, RBI (30) -- .301
SS Cortez 0-5, K, E (6) -- .244

Bautista 4 IP, 3 ER, 8 H, 5 BB, 4 K, HRA -- L, 2-5, 7.36 ERA, farewell, Denny.
Keppel IP, 10 R (8 ER), 8 H, 3 BB -- 6.24 ERA
Yan IP, H -- 0.00 ERA, organization debut

*** What ended up as Denny Bautista's final Royals start went not so well as Tucson blistered Bautista and Bobby Keppel en route to an easy win. The hard thing to believe is, Colorado thinks Colorado Springs or Denver is gonna be better for Denny? Don't think so. Bautista worked out of a jam in the 1st and Omaha had a chance at an early lead with the bases loaded and 1 out in the 2nd but Kerry Robinson hit into a 6-4-3 double play to end the threat. Bautista worked out of another jam in the 2nd but his luck ran out in the 3rd as he gave up a 3-run homer. Omaha got 2 runs back in the 4th on a sac fly by 2B Alejandro Prieto and a Robinson RBI single. Bautista was pulled after 4 innings and 92 pitches and Bobby Keppel came in and got smoked in the 5th to the tune of a walk and 3 straight 2-out hits for 6 runs and a 9-2 Tucson lead. A Fernando Cortez error started the 6th and Keppel allowed 4 straight hits for 3 more runs before Shane Loux came in and allowed another run credited to Keppel to make it 13-2. DH Mike Coolbaugh hit a 2-out RBI double in the 7th but Loux gave up a Tucson homer to make it 14-3. Esteban Yan gave up a 2-out double but got out of his IP unscathed for a successful Royals debut. Omaha is 43-65. Sidewinders SP Dustin Nippert allowed 3 ER on 11 hits and 3 walks over 7 IP in improving to 12-5 with a 5.05 ERA, 3B Brian Barden was 4-5 with 2 doubles (30), his 16th homer and 6 RBI (81) to improve to .315, DH Alberto Callaspo was 2-3 with his 19th double, 2 RBI (57) and 2 RS to improve to .333 and LF Scott Hairston was 3-5 with his 17th double, 2 RBI (60) and 2 RS to move to .325.

The teams make up Saturday's rainout with a doubleheader Monday night. Pitchers: RH Adam Bernero (3-3, 3.17) vs. Tucson LH Mike Bacsik (10-0, 2.69) in game 1 and LH Donovan Osborne (0-3, 6.00) vs. Omaha RH Adam Bass (6-0, 4.28) in game 2. I can't believe the records on the Tucson starters. Good news is Omaha is up 11-0 in game 1.

AA - Wichita: off day

*** Wichita is 21-15 and up 4 1/2 games on first. Neal Musser is starting Monday night's game with Arkansas and the Travs are up 8-0 in the 4th.

High-A - High Desert: Mavs 3, Inland Empire 1

1B Stodolka 1-4, K -- .299
DH Falu 2-4, RBI (35), K -- .276
C Duenas 2-3, BB, HR (8), RBI (31) -- .283
3B E. Lucas 1-4, 3B -- .287
LF Valentin 1-3, HBP, RS -- .293
CF Tomlin 0-4, K -- .299

B. Johnson 6 IP, ER, 7 H, 7 K, pickoff -- W, 1-0, 1.50 ERA, great debut
Plummer 2 IP, 2 H, 2 K -- 4.68 ERA
de la Vara IP, K -- SV, 3, 2.63 ERA

*** Blake Johnson shut down the 66ers over 6 innings in his first start for the organization and the Mavs got the 3-1 win. High Desert's best threat through the 4th was a 2-out triple by Ed Lucas in the 3rd but the Mavs didn't score until the 5th on a 2-out RBI single by Irving Falu. Johnson gave up the tying run in the IE 5th but the Mavs regained the lead in the 6th on a double play ball by James Tomlin. Tomas Duenas got the Mavs some insurance in the 9th on a leadoff homer for his 8th of the season and Gilbert de la Vara set the 66ers down in order in the 9th to end it for his 3rd save. High Desert is 18-17 and 1/2 a game back of first. 66ers LF Josh Womack was 2-4 with his 13th double to move to .296 and CF Casey Craig was 1-4 to drop to .348.

The rubber game of the set is Monday. Patrick Green is set to pitch for the Mavs.

Low-A - Burlington: Lansing 4, Bees 3

CF Duarte 1-4, BB, RS, SB (25) -- .279
DH Johnson 1-3, 2 BB, 2 K -- .246
C Howell 0-2, BB, SF, RBI (28), K -- .245
PH Vega 1-1, RBI (53), RS -- .243

Rosa 7 2/3 IP, ER, 6 H, BB, 3 K, HRA -- ND, 2.54 ERA, good start wasted
Schambough IP, 3 ER, 3 H, BB -- L, 3-7, 3.06 ERA
Hayes 0 IP, H -- 2.32 ERA

*** For the second time in three games, the Bees blew a late lead to lose to the Lugnuts. Carlos Rosa gave up a homer in the 4th but that was all he allowed through 7 2/3 IP. Meanwhile, the Bees were no-hit until the 6th by Lansing SP Kristian Bell. It wasn't until Lansing RP Sean Stidfole entered his second IP in the 8th that they tied the game on a Jeff Howell sac fly. 1B Brady Everett had a chance to give Burlington the lead with 2 in scoring position and 2 out but flew out to end the inning. With Carlos Arroyo on second and 1 out in the 9th, Miguel Vega singled to center to bring Arroyo home and Vega scored on a Lugnuts error. Kraig Schambough got the first 2 outs quickly in the bottom of the 9th but then the trouble started. Three straight singles brought a run home and an Arroyo error put runners at second and third. A wild pitch allowed the tying run to score and another walk loaded the bases before Chris Hayes was brought in and gave up a walkoff single. Burlington is 15-22. Bell got a no-decision for Lansing with 1 hit and 4 walks allowed over 6 IP to drop his ERA to 3.88, 1B Joey Metropoulos was 3-4 with his 8th homer, 41st RBI and 2 RS to move to .298 and CF Yuber Rodriguez was 2-4 with the walkoff RBI (23) and his 19th SB to move to .212.

Lansing went for the sweep of the Bees Monday night and I'll just say something very familiar in this series happened. Matt Kniginyzky started.

Rookie - Idaho Falls: off day

*** The second half is slated to continue Monday night as the Chukars and Orem Owlz match up for 2 more games in Idaho Falls.

Rookie - AZL: Angels 5, Royals 2

3B Taylor 2-3, RBI (14), K, picked off -- .291
RF Van Stratten 2-4, RS, SB (11), picked off -- .278
1B S. Lucas 2-4, K -- .339
CF D. Robinson 0-3, 3 K -- .213

Arias 4 IP, 3 ER, 3 H, 3 BB, 8 K, HRA, WP -- L, 1-4, 3.06 ERA
McLintock 2 IP, BB, K -- 2.95 ERA

*** The Angels took the lead in the 3rd and didn't falter in dropping the Royals to their first second half loss. Henry Arias gave up a homer in the 2nd to allow the Angels to take the lead but the Royals tied it in the bottom of the inning on a Jason Taylor RBI single. The Angels came back with 2 off Arias in the 3rd to regain the advantage and as the Royals struggled to get any offense going, the Angels scored again off Yensi Lopez in the 7th for a 4-1 lead. Lopez gave up another run in the 8th and the Royals' final run came in the bottom of the 9th on an Angel throwing error. The Royals are 3-1. Angels starter Tim Schoeninger went 5 IP and allowed an unearned run on 2 hits with 7 K to improve to 3-1 with a 2.29 ERA, 3B Matt Sweeney was 1-3 with a triple and his 21st RBI to move to .338 and LF Jeremy Moore was 2-4 with his 1st homer and 2 RBI (12) to move to .253.

The Royals had Monday off.

Royals on the Farm 7/29

AAA - Omaha: rainout

*** The game was rescheduled as part of a Monday double dip. The series at Tucson will start Sunday night as the pitching matchup is RH Denny Bautista (2-4, 7.43) vs. Sidewinders RH Dustin Nippert (11-5, 5.13).

AA - Wichita: Wranglers 8, Arkansas 2 (7/G1)

3B Gordon 3-4, 2B (29), RS -- .312
RF Butler 2-4, 2B (29), 2 RS -- .324
DH Sweeney 1-3, BB, HR (1), 2 RBI -- .500, back must have not been that bad
C Bako 0-4, K, RS -- .000, rehab game 1
CF Lubanski 1-2, BB, 2 RS -- .276
SS Sanchez 1-4, K, E (21) -- .287
2B Murphy 1-4, 2B (22), RBI (33), K -- .232
1B Kaaihue 1-1, BB, SF, HR (3), 3 RBI (35) -- .194, finally coming around

Greinke 6 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 5 K -- W, 5-2, 5.37 ERA, nice start
DeHoyos IP, 2 R (1 ER), 2 H, 2 BB -- 2.20 ERA

*** The Wranglers jumped ahead in the 2nd and didn't look back in taking the first game of two with the Travelers Saturday. The Wranglers got started with a Billy Butler single in the 2nd and a throwing error on a sac bunt attempt by Chris Lubanski that allowed Butler to score from first. A passed ball on a would-be third out K by Paul Bako allowed Lubanski to score and Bako to reach first and Kila Kaaihue made the Travs pay with a 2-run homer to right and his 3rd homer of the season for a 4-0 lead. Kaaihue added a sac fly RBI in the 4th and, after Alex Gordon led off the 5th with a double, Mike Sweeney put the aggravated back rumors to rest with a 2-run homer to center for a 7-0 lead. Donnie Murphy added a 2-out RBI double to make it 8-0 and that was all Zack Greinke needed as he scattered 3 hits over 6 IP and left after retiring 12 Travs in a row. Gabe DeHoyos allowed 2 runs in the 7th and final inning in the shortened doubleheader game but 1 was unearned thanks to Angel Sanchez's 21st error. Wichita moved to 20-15. Arkansas 1B Greg Porter was 2-3 with a RS to move to .288, 3B Matt Brown was 0-3 to drop to .309 and SS Brandon Wood was 0-3 to drop to .275.

Wranglers 6, Arkansas 4 (8/G2)

3B Gordon 2-3, HBP, HR (19), RBI (65), 2 RS, SB (20) -- .315
RF Butler 0-4, RBI (78) -- .320
CF Maier 3-4, 2 2B (23), RS -- .292
LF Lubanski 0-3 -- .273
DH D. Brown 2-3, SF, HR (12), 2 RBI (49) -- .296
SS Sanchez 1-4, RS -- .286
2B Murphy 1-4, K, RS -- .233

Lumsden 6 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 3 BB, 6 K, HRA, WP, 2 pickoffs -- ND, 3.00 ERA, not bad debut
Hoelscher 1/3 IP, 2 ER, 3 H -- BS, 4, 5.62 ERA
Lowery 1 2/3 IP, H, BB, 4 K -- W, 3-1, 7.13 ERA

*** Tyler Lumsden's organizational debut was almost ruined by a blown save in the 7th but the Wranglers got 2 longballs in an extra 8th inning to sweep the twinbill. The Wranglers again had an early 4-run inning as they scored 4 in the 1st on three straight singles to load the bases, a wild pitch to score a run, an RBI ground out by Billy Butler, a Dee Brown sac fly and an RBI single by C Damaso Espino. Lumsden gave up a homer in the 2nd and got out of a bases loaded jam in the 4th but that was it through 6. Wichita gave the starter no additional run support and Nate Hoelscher came in to pitch the 7th after Lumsden walked the leadoff batter. Two singles, a HBP and a force out scored 2 runs and a double by Arkansas RF Nathan Haynes tied the game and brought Devon Lowery in for Hoelscher. Lowery salvaged the tie to send the game to an 8th inning and the Wranglers capitalized. Alex Gordon led off the 8th with his 19th homer -- and 5th homer in 6 games -- and 2 batters later Dee Brown matched the homer with his 12th to make it 6-4. Lowery struck out the side with a single mixed in in the 8th to end it. Wichita improved to 21-15 and now holds a 5-game lead on first. Travs DH Terry Evans was 1-3 with his 13th homer and 33rd RBI to move to .290, Wood was 0-3 to drop to .273 and 2B Eric Rodland was 0-3 with his 39th RBI to drop to .303.

The teams take Sunday off before resuming the series Monday.

High-A - High Desert: Inland Empire 4, Mavs 3 (11)

1B Stodolka 1-5, RBI (55), K -- .300
CF Tomlin 0-2, BB -- .307
LF Valentin 1-5, 2 K, RS -- .293
3B E. Lucas 1-3, 2 BB, K, RS -- .287
RF McFall 0-3, 2 BB, RBI (53) -- .242

Christensen 6 2/3 IP, 2 ER, 2 H, 3 BB, 7 K -- ND, 5.50 ERA
Pimentel 1 1/3 IP, ER, H, BB, HRA -- BS, 1, 6.75 ERA, not the best debut
Hicklen 2 2/3 IP, ER, 2 H, 2 BB, HRA -- L, 3-7, 6.30 ERA

*** Julio Pimentel's first appearance in an HD uni didn't go the way he likely wanted it to as he blew a save and the Mavs lost in 11. The Mavs got runners at the corners with no out in the top of the 1st but failed to score. A Brian McFall double play ball in the 2nd scored a run to give the Mavs the lead. HD added 2 in the 6th on a Mike Stodolka RBI single and bases loaded walk by McFall to make it 3-0. Dan Christensen took a 1-hitter into the 6th and was pulled with 2 on and 2 out in the 7th. Pimentel was brought in and gave up a 3-run homer to the first batter he faced to tie the game. He got through the rest of the 7th and the 8th unscathed and Patrick Hicklen came in to pitch the 9th. Neither team put up a serious threat and Hicklen had retired the first two batters in the 11th when he gave up a walkoff homer to IE DH J.B. Tucker to end the game. High Desert is 17-17. The 66ers got 5 innings of shutdown relief from Jon Lockwood and Saydel Beltran in the win. SS Alex Meneses was 2-4 to move to .429, 1B Reed Eastley had the big pinch-hit 3-run homer for his 5th of the season and the 3 RBI moved him to 52 on the year. He's hitting .268. LF Casey Craig was 0-5 to drop to .352.

The series continues Sunday night. No announced pitchers.

Low-A - Burlington: Lansing 11, Bees 6

3B Lisson 3-5, RBI (51), RS, SB (30), CS (6) -- .252
SS Arce 2-4 -- .238
2B Johnson 1-4, BB, HR (3), 2 RBI (31), K, 2 RS -- .245
CF Duarte 0-3, 2 BB, 2 K, 2 RS -- .279
1B Vega 1-5, RBI (52), 3 K, RS -- .240

Cortes 3 IP, 6 ER, 6 H, BB, 2 K, 2 HRA -- ND, 18.00 ERA, another not-so-good debut
Santiago 4 IP, 4 ER, 7 H, BB, 4 K -- L, 2-4, 5.74 ERA

*** The Bees gave new starter Dan Cortes run support but he gave all the runs right back to the Lugnuts as the Bees dropped another game. Jose Duarte walked to start the game and Josh Johnson hit a 2-run homer to left for his 3rd of the season and a 2-0 lead. Cortes cruised through the 1st but 4 straight batters reached base to start the 2nd and a sac fly tied the game at 2. Two Lansing errors in the 3rd set up a Mario Lisson RBI single, which was followed by a 2-run single by Miguel Vega that was aided by a 3rd Lugnut error. Carlos Arroyo singled home another run in the inning to make it 6-2 Bees. Cortes gave up a 1-out RBI double and back-to-back homers in the bottom of the 3rd to again tie the game and he was pulled after the inning. RP Mario Santiago fared no better as he allowed 3 runs in the 4th and another in the 5th as Lansing pulled away. The Bees only had 3 hits after the 4-run 3rd and Lansing added an 11th run in the 8th on a homer off Yovany Damico. Burlington is 15-21. Lansing DH Joey Metropoulos was 4-5 with his 21st double, 2 RBI (40) and 3 RS to move to .291, C Josh Bell was 3-5 with 2 HR (10) and 2 RBI (30) to improve to .264 and 1B David Hicks was 2-4 with his 14th double, 3rd homer and 3 RBI (35) to move to .224.

The teams were set to play again Sunday afternoon. Carlos Rosa was set to start.

Rookie - Idaho Falls: Orem 4, Chukars 3

C Morizio 2-3, BB, K, CS -- .302
LF Morel 1-4, BB, K, RBI (22), SB (12) -- .285
1B Turner 1-3, HBP, HR (3), RBI (15), K -- .191
2B Maddox 0-3, BB, K, SB (4) -- .293
CF Bigler 0-3, RBI (15), RS -- .243

Gutierrez 3 IP, ER, H, BB, 4 K, E (2) -- ND, 6.28 ERA
Cribb 5 IP, 2 R (1 ER), 6 H, 6 K -- 2.78 ERA
Casey 2/3 IP, ER, 2 H, K -- L, 0-5, 5.68 ERA

*** The Chukars rallied late to tie it but lost in the 9th to get swept by the Owlz and start the second half on a down note. Orem scored 2 runs off Dan Gutierrez and Josh Cribb in the 4th but Idaho Falls cut the lead in half in the 5th on an RBI force out by Brett Bigler. An error by 3B Eduardo Nunez in the 7th helped the Owlz to an unearned run but Bigler made it to third to lead off the 8th on an Owlz error. He scored on an Alvi Morel ground out and Jase Turner hit a 2-out homer to right for his 3rd to tie the game. Bryan Casey came in to pitch the 9th and allowed a leadoff single and then a 2-out walkoff double to end the game. IF is 0-1. Orem 3B Abel Nieves, who was the hero in Friday's Orem win, was 3-4 with his 16th RBI and scored the game-winner to move to .255 and LF Chris Pettit was 2-4 with a double to move to .307.

The Chukars have Sunday off.

Rookie - AZL: Royals 5, Mariners 4

1B S. Lucas 2-3, HBP, 2 RBI (35), RS -- .333
RF Van Stratten 2-4, BB, 2 2B (6), RBI (16), RS, CS -- .270
LF Dyson 1-5, 2 K, RS, SB (4) -- .273
CF D. Robinson 0-3, 2 BB, K, RS, SB (13) -- .219
3B A. Perez 1-3, BB, RBI (14), K, E (5) -- .284

Fisher 6 IP, 3 ER, 5 H, BB, 10 K!, HRA -- ND, 2.18 ERA, gotta love the Ks
M. Morales IP, UER, 2 H -- BS, 1, W, 2-0, 3.77 ERA
Cummings IP, nothing -- SV, 2, 0.96 ERA

*** The Royals lost a 4-run lead but won it late. The Royals loaded the bases with 1 out in the 2nd but failed to score. They made up for it in the 3rd with 4 runs on a 2-run single by Scott Lucas, an RBI single by Alwin Perez and a bases loaded walk by SS Carlos Avila. Two doubles and a 2-run homer off Brent Fisher in the 4th quickly cut the lead to 1. Fisher got out of a leadoff triple in the 6th and then gave way to Chris Chavez, who got through the 7th. Miguel Morales came in to pitch the 8th and gave up a game-tying single to blow his 1st save. With 2 out and runners at the corners in the Royals 8th, Nick Van Stratten hit a clutch double to score the go-ahead run. Derrick Robinson also tried to score but was thrown out at the plate. Tyler Cummings came in and pitched the 9th for his 2nd save. The Royals are 3-0. Mariners 1B Gerardo Avila was 2-4 with a double and 2 RBI (25) to move to .346 and RF Carlos Peguero was 2-4 with his 10th double, 5th homer and 2 RBI (20) to move to .308.

The Royals are scheduled to play the Angels tonight.

Royals on the Farm 7/28

AAA - Omaha: Las Vegas 8, O-Royals 5

2B Keppinger 4-4, BB, 2 2B (3), 3 RBI (9), 2 RS -- .438, hitting slightly better than Gotay was
CF K. Robinson 3-4, 2B (18), RS -- .302
RF Allen 1-4, BB -- .324
DH Cortez 2-5, K, RS -- .254
3B Aviles 2-4, BB, 3B, 2 RBI (35), SB (6) -- .248
* 12 left on base

Middleton 4 2/3 IP, 7 R (4 ER), 8 H, 4 BB, 3 K, WP -- L, 0-5, 6.60 ERA, another poor start
Braun IP, H, BB, 2 K -- 2.35 ERA

*** Six straight hits to start the game set the stage for Las Vegas as the 51s scored in only 2 innings but got enough offense to win. Omaha had runners at second and third with 0 out in the 1st but three consecutive pop outs spoiled the rally. Two singles and two doubles scored 3 runs off Kyle Middleton to start the Vegas 1st and a 2-run single was aided by a throwing error by SS Alejandro Prieto to make it 5-0 51s. Mike Aviles singled home a run in the 3rd and the Royals scored 2 in the 4th on a 2-out, 2-run single by Jeff Keppinger, who had doubled in the 1st and singled to lead off the 3rd. With the lead cut to 2, the Royals took walks to load the bases with 1 out in the 5th but Prieto grounded into a DP to end the threat. Vegas cashed in in the 5th with a 2-out rally helped by another Prieto error that scored 2 runs and an RBI single that brought in another unearned run. Keppinger hit an RBI double and Aviles drew a bases loaded walk to bring 2 more runs home in the 6th and the Royals got a leadoff triple from Aviles in the 9th but couldn't rally as Vegas earned a split of the series. Omaha is 43-64. 51s 3B Andy LaRoche was 3-4 with an RBI to improve to .337, CF Matt Kemp was 1-3 with a double and RBI to drop to .353 and 1B James Loney was 1-4 with his 26th double and 2 RBI (57) to move to .372.

The O-Royals move on to start a 4-game set at the Tucson Sidewinders (68-37, AAA D'Backs) Saturday night. Omaha's starter for the opener wasn't affirmed prior to Friday night's game.

AA - Wichita: Wranglers 18, Arkansas 8

3B Gordon 4-5, BB, 2 2B (28), HR (18), 5 RBI (64), 4 RS -- .310, 4th straight game with homer
RF Butler 1-3, 2 BB, SF, 2 RBI (77) -- .322
DH Sweeney 1-1, 2B, RBI, RS -- first rehab game for Wranglers, left in 2nd, more below
PH/DH Lubanski 2-5, HR (10), 3 RBI (54), 2 RS -- .274
CF Maier 1-6, HR (12), RBI (68), 2 K -- .288
SS Sanchez 2-4, BB, 3 RS -- .287
LF D. Brown 2-5, BB, HR (11), 3 RBI (47), 2 K -- .292
2B Murphy 2-6, HR (9), RBI (32), 2 K, 2 RS -- .232
1B Kaaihue 2-4, HBP, HR (2), 2 RBI (32), 2 RS -- .191
C Donachie 2-4, BB, K, 2 RS -- .200

Buckner 6 IP, 8 ER, 9 H, 3 BB, 4 K, HRA -- W, 2-1, 6.96 ERA, not the prettiest start
Song and Cedeno 3 IP scoreless relief -- guess Lumsden took Song's rotation spot

*** Wichita scored in 8 of 9 innings in steamrolling the Travs to pad a first-place lead. Alex Gordon and Mike Sweeney had consecutive RBI doubles in the 1st to get the Wranglers started and Billy Butler added a sac fly before Mitch Maier hit the first of 6 Wrangler homers on the day for his 12th and a 4-0 Wrangler lead. Gordon struck again with a 2-run single in the 2nd to make it 6-0 and Chris Lubanski pinch-hit for Sweeney, who according to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette "tweaked his upper back while ducking under a beam in the dugout." What can you say? Now he's been hurt by a AA dugout. Billy Buckner gave up 4 straight hits, including 3 XBH, and a sac fly as the Travs scored 5 in the 2nd to cut the lead to 1. Kila Kaaihue hit his 2nd homer in a week after not hitting one all season for a 2-run shot in the 3rd and an 8-5 Wrangler lead. Buckner struggled again in the 3rd as he gave up 3 runs to allow Arkansas to tie it at 8 but Wichita took the lead again in the 4th on Lubanski's 10th homer and this time it held up. Buckner allowed only 2 more walks before getting pulled after the 6th and the Wranglers added 5 runs in the 5th on a 2-run single by Lubanski and a 3-run homer by Dee Brown for his 11th of the season. Donnie Murphy cracked his 9th homer to lead off the 6th and make it 15-8 Wichita. Gordon led off the 7th with a double and scored on a Butler single and then hit a 2-run homer to left in the 9th to account for the rest of the Wrangler runs. Seung Song and Juan Cedeno finished the last 3 innings to lock down the win. Wichita is 19-15 and 3 1/2 games up on first. Travs SS Brandon Wood was 0-5 to drop to .277, C Bobby Wilson was 1-4 with his 9th homer and 3 RBI (47) to drop to .304 and 2B Eric Rodland was 2-3 with 2 RBI (38) to move to .304.

The series continues with a twinbill Saturday. Zack Greinke pitches game 1 while Tyler Lumsden makes his organizational debut for Wichita in game 2. I guess Frank White said after the game Sweeney would play in one of the games but others involved with the team told the Democrat-Gazette he wouldn't play.

High-A - High Desert: Inland Empire 4, Mavs 2

DH Stodolka 1-4, 2B (23), K, RS -- .301
CF Senreiso 2-4, RBI (49), K, RS, SB (18) -- .275
RF Valentin 1-4, K -- .294
LF Tomlin 1-3, BB -- .311
C Thibault 1-3, SF, RBI (4), 2 K, CS, PB (2) -- .194
3B E. Lucas 0-3, BB, K -- .287

Cota 6 IP, 4 ER, 3 H, 2 BB, 4 K, 2 HRA, pickoff -- L, 4-10, 7.10 ERA, disappointing season
de la Vara 2 IP, H, BB, 4 K -- 2.84 ERA

*** Two homers did all the damage for the 66ers as they took the series opener. Kiel Thibault got HD on the board first with a sac fly in the 2nd but Luis Cota gave up a solo homer with 1 out in the 66er 2nd to tie the game. Cota retired 8 in a row at one point going into the 5th and the Mavs took the lead in the 6th on a Juan Senreiso RBI single. Cota walked 2 with 2 outs in the IE 6th and then gave up a 3-run homer to 66ers RF Casey Craig, who had hit the first homer in the 2nd. The Mavs didn't get another runner past first. HD is 17-16. Craig was 2-4 with his 2 HR (6) and 4 RBI (24) to improve to .369.

Game 2 of the set with IE is Saturday night. No announced starters.

Low-A - Burlington: Lansing 4, Bees 3

CF Duarte 4-5, 2 2B (16), RBI (30), 2 RS, 2 SB (24) -- .282
C Howell 1-2, BB, SF, 2 RBI (27), PB (12) -- .250
2B Johnson 0-4, 3 K -- .245
LF Arce 2-4, 2 K, SB (5) -- .233

Cordier 4 IP, 2 R (1 ER), 2 H, 2 BB, 5 K -- ND, 1.42 ERA
Oliveros 3 IP, 2 BB, 3 K -- 3.07 ERA
Schambough 1/3 IP, ER, 2 H, K, WP -- BS, 4, L, 3-6, 2.60 ERA

*** Kraig Schambough blew his 4th save as Lansing rallied for a 1-run win. The Lugnuts scored twice on an RBI triple and steal of home on a double steal in the 2nd off Erik Cordier but the Bees came back in the 5th as Carlos Arroyo led off with a triple and scored on a Jose Duarte double before Jeff Howell hit a sac fly to tie the game. Rayner Oliveros came in to pitch the 5th and threw 3 hitless innings and the Bees took the lead in the 7th on a Howell RBI single. Chris Hayes pitched a quick 8th but gave up a 1-out double in the 9th to bring in Schambough, who allowed a run on a wild pitch to tie it but got the second out before giving up a walkoff base hit. Burlington is 15-20. Lugnuts CF Luke Hetherington was 2-4 with a triple, RBI and 2 RS to move to .247 and SS Anthony Hatch was 0-3 to drop to .314.

Game 2 of the set is Saturday night. Daniel Cortes makes his organizational debut for the Bees.

Rookie - Idaho Falls: Orem 3, Chukars 2 (10)

CF Dickerson 1-4, 2B (9), RBI (19), 2 K -- .325
2B Mertins 0-4, K -- .395
1B Maddox 1-4, HR (1), RBI (20), K -- .300
SS McConnell 0-4, K -- .327
LF Morel 1-4, RS, SB (11) -- .286
DH Morizio 0-4, K -- .275

Teaford 5 IP, ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 5 K -- ND, 2.59 ERA
Hartsock 3 IP, UER, 2 H, 2 BB, 5 K, 2 WP, balk -- 1.59 ERA
Best 1 1/3 IP, ER, 2 H, 2 BB, K, balk, WP -- L, 5-1, 3.55 ERA

*** Pitching miscues helped cost the Chukars the lead in the 8th and their shot at a first-half title in the 10th as Orem clinched the first-half title with the win. Joe Dickerson got the scoring started with an RBI double in the 4th to make it 1-0 but Everett Teaford gave up a 2-out RBI double in the 5th to tie it. Marc Maddox put the Chukars back in front with a solo homer in the 7th for his 1st pro homer and Aaron Hartsock had the lead in the bottom of the 8th when the first batter reached on an error by IF 3B Brenan Herrera. Hartsock got 2 outs and, with runners at second and third, a wild pitch brought the tying run home. Dan Best came in for the 9th and walked the leadoff batter in the 10th before balking the runner to second and then giving up a 1-out RBI double to end the game. Idaho Falls finished the first half 22-16 and a game back of Orem. Orem SP Sean O'Sullivan went 7 IP and allowed 2 ER on 4 hits to move his ERA to 1.85. RP Felipe Arredondo went 3 IP and allowed a hit with 8 Ks to improve to 4-0 with a 2.25 ERA. Orem 1B Abel Nieves was 2-4 with the walkoff double and RBI to move to .233 and LF Chris Pettit was 1-3 with a double and his 25th RBI to move to .299. Two other Owlz had 3-hit games.

The series concludes Saturday night as the teams start the second half. No announced starters.

Rookie - AZL: Royals 8, Giants 5 (10)

LF Francis 3-5, 2B, RBI, RS -- .255
3B Taylor 0-5, 2 K -- .277, has cooled off considerably
1B S. Lucas 2-4, BB, HBP, 2 RBI (33), K, RS -- .324
DH Dyson 0-5, BB, K, CS -- .279, also cooled off
CF D. Robinson 2-4, BB, HBP, 2B (6), RBI (10), K, SB (12), CS (8) -- .225
RF Van Stratten 0-6 -- .262
C Doscher 0-1, 4 BB!, 3 RS -- .282

Bass 4 IP, ER, 5 H, 2 K -- ND, 5.14 ERA
Raglione 5 IP, 4 UER, 5 H, 2 BB, 3 K -- W, 3-0, 3.12 ERA
Hauff IP, nothing -- SV, 1, 0.00 ERA

*** The Royals rallied for 6 late runs in staying perfect on the second half. Nick Francis got the Royals started with an RBI single in the 2nd but SP Brian Bass gave up a 2-out game-tying single in the bottom of the inning. Paul Raglione came in to pitch the 5th and got 2 outs into the 6th without big problems before a walk, single and run-scoring error on SS Manny Juan were followed by a 2-run triple and RBI single to make it 5-1 Giants. The Giants gave 1 run back in the 7th on a throwing error that scored Nick Doscher to cut the lead to 3, which was the case entering the 9th when Francis and Doscher led off with a single and walk. Another walk loaded the bases and, with 1 out, Derrick Robinson took a bases loaded walk to bring a run home. After Nick Van Stratten flied out for the second out, Scott Lucas hit a clutch 2-run single to tie the game. The game went into the 10th when 2B Alwin Perez reached on a throwing error to start the inning and scored on an RBI single by Carlos Avila. A fielding error on a ball hit by Van Stratten later in the inning brought 2 runs home and gave the Royals an 8-5 lead. Michael Hauff pitched the 10th for his 1st save. The Royals are 2-0 and atop the league standings. Giants SS Sharlon Schoop was 3-5 to move to .424 and C Elio Sarmiento was 1-2 with a triple and 2 RBI to improve to .344.

The Royals are set to play the Mariners Saturday night.

Royals on the Farm 7/27

AAA - Omaha: O-Royals 7, Las Vegas 5

3B Keppinger 1-5, 2B, 2 RBI (6), 2 RS -- .357
2B Cortez 2-5, 3B, RBI (5), 2 RS, E (5) -- .248
RF Allen 0-5, RBI (67) -- .325
C Tupman 1-3, BB -- .231
CF K. Robinson 1-4, HR (2), RBI (29), K, 2 RS -- .295, doing OK out of 9th spot

Van Hekken 6 2/3 IP, 4 ER, 8 H, 2 BB, 6 K -- W, 1-1, 5.25 ERA, 111 pitch outing
Etherton 2 1/3 IP, ER, 4 H, 4 K, HRA -- 4.73 ERA

*** Two innings was all the Omaha offense needed to give Andy Van Hekken the run support for his first win as a Royal. Van Hekken gave up a run in the 2nd but Omaha scored thrice in the 3rd on a leadoff homer by Kerry Robinson (his 2nd), a Jeff Keppinger RBI double after Fernando Cortez tripled, and a double by 1B Mike Coolbaugh that brought Keppinger home. Van Hekken allowed another run in the 3rd but Omaha padded the lead with a 4-run 4th as Cortez hit an RBI single, Keppinger had an RBI fielder's choice, Cortez scored on an error and LF Rick Bell drew a bases loaded walk to make it 7-2. That stayed the score until the bottom of the 7th when Van Hekken and Seth Etherton gave up 3 hits for 2 runs in a 2-out rally. Etherton gave up a solo homer in the 8th to cut the lead to 7-5 and the 51s got the would-be winning run to the plate with 1 out in the 9th before Etherton struck out 51s CF Matt Kemp looking and Etherton picked off a runner at second to end the game. Omaha is 43-63 and officially has only the third-worst record in the PCL now! (I like to call that mock enthusiasm.) Vegas got 5 2/3 IP of hitless relief from 4 pitchers after starter Harold Eckert got rocked. LF Jeff Duncan was 4-5 with a double to move to .297, Kemp was 2-5 with a triple and 2 RBI to improve to .354, and DH Andy LaRoche (brother of the Braves' Adam) was 1-4 with a double to drop to .318. 3B Eric Riggs was also 2-4 with his 8th homer and 2 RBI (32) to move to .329.

The teams wrap up the 4-game set Friday night as Omaha goes for 3 of 4. Pitchers: RH Kyle Middleton (0-4, 6.39) vs. 51s RH D.J. Houlton (6-9, 6.08). In other news, the Royals signed P Esteban Yan and assigned him to Omaha while P Andy Sisco was sent down to make room for Odalis Perez.

AA - Wichita: off day

*** Wichita is 18-15 and 2 1/2 games up on first. The Wranglers start a 5-game set with the currently second-place Arkansas Travelers (16-18, AA Angels) in Arkansas tonight. Billy Buckner starts for the Wranglers in the opener as Mike Sweeney and Paul Bako start rehab stints. I think Sweeney is slated for 3 days of rehab in AA before heading to Omaha. P Tyler Lumsden is set to make his first start as a Royals farmhand in game 2 of a scheduled Saturday twinbill.

High-A - High Desert: Mavs 10, Modesto 5

1B R. Brown 3-4, BB, HR (9), RBI (43), 3 RS, E (7) -- .271
LF Tomlin 2-5, 2B (15), 3 RBI (21), RS -- .310
3B E. Lucas 2-4, BB, K, 3 RS, SB (12) -- .289
SS Falu 2-5, 2 RBI (34), RS -- .278
2B Gaffney 2-3, 2 BB -- .276
RF Valentin 1-4, BB, 2 RBI (45) -- .295

Gragg III 6 2/3 IP, 3 R (2 ER), 6 H, 3 BB, 7 K -- W, 7-4, 3.35 ERA

*** The Mavericks supported starter John Gragg with 10 runs on 15 hits and took the series finale with Modesto. Rusty Brown got HD started with a solo homer (his 9th) to lead off the 2nd and C Kiel Thibault hit an RBI ground out later in the inning to make it 2-0. Gragg walked a run home in the 3rd but the Mavs scored 5 in the bottom of the frame on an RBI double by DH Tomas Duenas, an RBI single by James Tomlin, an RBI force out by Irving Falu and a 2-run single by Geraldo Valentin that ended the inning when Michael Gaffney was thrown out at third. The Nuts cut the lead to 7-4 with a run in the 5th and 2 in the 7th off Gragg and RP Justin Barnes. James Tomlin got the Mavs some insurance with a 2-run double in the bottom of the 7th and Falu singled him home 2 batters later to make it 10-4. Barnes gave up a run in the 8th but got through the 9th quickly. HD is 17-15 and 1 1/2 games back of first place. Nuts 2B Corey Wimberly was 3-4 with his 34th SB and 2 RS to move to .323, CF Chris Frey was 3-5 to move to .278 and LF Justin Nelson was 1-4 with his 21st double and 3 RBI (58) to move to .233.

The Mavs move on to a 4-game set at the Inland Empire 66ers (15-17, High-A Mariners) starting Friday night. No announced starters.

Low-A - Burlington: Beloit 4, Bees 2

RF Arroyo 3-4, RS -- .258
CF Duarte 2-4, RBI (29), K, OF assist at third -- .274, third straight game with OF assist (20 on season)
2B Johnson 0-2, BB -- .249, set team record with 14th sac bunt

Nicoll 6 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, BB, 4 K, HRA -- ND, 2.65 ERA
Henninger 2 1/3 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, BB, K -- L, 2-6, 5.87 ERA

*** Two late runs got the Snappers a split with the Bees. Chris Nicoll gave up a leadoff homer in the 2nd but the Bees got the run back in the 3rd on a Jose Duarte RBI single before taking the lead in the 4th on a Carlos Arroyo RBI single. Beloit tied it off Nicoll in the 5th and RP David Henninger worked out of a jam in the 7th before allowing the go-ahead run in the 8th on a 1-out RBI double. Another double got the Snappers an insurance run off Henninger in the 9th and the Bees didn't threaten. The Bees are 15-19. Snappers 1B Erik Lis was 2-5 with his 51st RBI to move to .315 and RF Eli Tintor was 2-3 with his 7th homer and 37th RBI to move to .283.

A 4-game set at the Lansing Lugnuts (12-22, Low-A Blue Jays) starts Friday night. Erik Cordier starts the opener for Burlington. P Daniel Cortes is set to make his organizational debut Saturday for the Bees.

Rookie - Idaho Falls: Orem 15, Chukars 5

DH Mertins 0-2, BB, RBI (11), K, RS, picked off -- .415
3B Herrera 1-4, 2B (10), 3 RBI (21), 3 K, 2 E (8) -- .260
CF Dickerson 0-4, K, RS -- .327
SS McConnell 0-2, BB, K -- .354
LF Bigler 0-3, BB, RS -- .250
2B Maddox 1-3, RBI (19), RS -- .302

B. Wood 4 IP, 5 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 6 K, HRA -- ND, 8.22 ERA, looking more and more like signability pick
Abreu 1/3 IP, 6 R (5 ER), 3 H, BB, K -- L, 2-1, 7.22 ERA, yikes

*** A 5-run 1st seemed to set the Chukars up for good things but it was ALL downhill from there as the Owlz rolled over IF. With 1 out and 2 on in the 1st, Marc Maddox singled home a run, Kurt Mertins drew a bases loaded walk 2 batters later and Brenan Herrera cleared the bases with a 3-run double to make it 5-0. Idaho Falls would only have 3 more hits. Blake Wood started and gave up 1 run in the 1st and 2 in the 2nd and was pulled after giving up a walk and single to start the 5th. Juan Abreu came in and poured gas on the fire as 6 straight Owlz reached base and Orem broke out for an 8-run inning to take an 11-5 lead. The Owlz poured on 2 runs in the 6th and 2 more in the 8th. Idaho Falls is 22-15 and in a first-place tie with Orem, so Friday's game is big for both sides. Owlz P Barret Browning came in after SP Robert Cassevah got 1 out in the 1st and pitched 4 2/3 IP of scoreless relief to get the win and move to 2-1 with a 2.42 ERA. Owlz 2B Tadd Brewer was 4-5 and a double short of the cycle with a triple, his 1st homer and 7 RBI (11) to move to .301 and RF Luis Rivera was 3-5 with 2 RBI (13) and 3 RS to move to .252.

The series continues Friday with no announced starters.

Rookie - AZL: Royals 5, Angels 3

DH Van Stratten 2-4, 2 SB (10) -- .277
3B Taylor 0-2, HBP, RS -- .295
CF D. Robinson 1-4, 3 K -- .214
LF Dyson 0-4, K, RS -- .304
1B S. Lucas 0-3, BB, 2 K, CS -- .316
SS Juan 2-3, 2B (6), HR (1), 2 RBI (13), E (9) -- .259

A. Morales 6 IP, 3 ER, 7 H, 5 K, HRA -- W, 5-3, 4.64 ERA
Martinez 3 IP, 2 H, 3 K -- SV, 2, 6.30 ERA

*** The Royals bounced back from a rough 1st to overtake the Angels and win the second-half opener. The Halos got 2 singles and a 3-run homer with 1 out in the 1st off Angelo Morales to take a 3-0 lead quickly. Two Angel errors helped the Royals get a run back in the bottom of the 1st as a throwing error on a steal attempt brought Jarrod Dyson home. Manny Juan doubled home a run in the 2nd to cut the lead to 1 but was thrown out at third for the third out of the inning on the play. I think he just did that the other day -- let's break them of that habit in rookie league before they get to the majors and start doing it like Berroa. Two more Angel errors helped the Royals tie the game in the 4th and a balk scored Jason Taylor for the lead run. Morales settled down and got through the 6th without further damage and Angel Martinez took it the rest of the way to pick up the save. Juan homered in the 7th for his 1st of the season to atone for the baserunning blunder. The Royals are 1-0. Angels SP Vladimir Veras allowed 4 runs but only 1 ER thanks to the errors to take the loss and drop to 4-2 with a 2.18 ERA. Angels SS Wilberto Ortiz was 2-4 with his 8th error to move to .362 and LF Angel Castillo was 1-4 with his 2nd homer and 3 RBI (12) in the loss.

The Royals were set to take on the Giants Friday night.

Royals on the Farm 7/26

AAA - Omaha: O-Royals 7, Las Vegas 3

3B Keppinger 3-4, BB, 2 HR!, 2 RBI, 4 RS! -- .391, I'm hoping the Blanco call-up means Berroa is gone and Keppinger gets the call
RF Allen 2-4, BB, 2B (23), RBI (66), K, RS -- .329
2B Cortez 2-5, K, RS, picked off, E (4) -- .241
1B Coolbaugh 2-4, BB, HR (5), 2 RBI (10), K -- .228
CF K. Robinson 2-4, K, CS -- .296

Bernero 6 IP, ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 2 K, HRA -- W, 3-3, 3.17 ERA
Braun IP, 2 ER, 3 H, BB, 2 K -- 2.70 ERA
Peralta 2 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, K -- SV, 2, 2.35 ERA, giving him a shot as closer in Omaha???

*** The O-Royals dug the longball Wednesday as newest member Jeff Keppinger cranked 2 long balls and Mike Coolbaugh added another as the Royals took down the 51s. Fernando Cortez and Keppinger led off the 3rd with singles before Chad Allen doubled one home and DH Mike Aviles hit an RBI ground out to bring the other home. Keppinger hit his 1st Omaha homer to lead off the 5th and LF Rick Bell hit a sac fly later in the inning to make it 4-0. Adam Bernero allowed his only damage on a solo homer to lead off the Vegas 5th but the Royals got it back in the 7th on Keppinger's second homer of the game with 1 out that made it 5-1. Ryan Braun came in to pitch the 7th for Omaha and gave up 2 runs on a 2-out rally. Coolbaugh put the game on ice for the Royals with a 2-run shot in the 9th for his 5th of '06. Joel Peralta struggled a little in the 9th but allowed no runs and got his 2nd save. Omaha is 42-63. 51s CF Matt Kemp was 0-4 with a walk to drop to .349, 1B James Loney was 0-5 to drop to .374 and 3B Eric Riggs was 1-4 with his 7th homer and 30th RBI to drop to .325.

Game 3 of the 4-game set is Thursday night. Pitchers: LH Andy Van Hekken (0-1, 5.06) vs. Vegas RH Harold Eckert (5-7, 7.19). In other news, P Ryan Baerlocher has been removed from the roster to pitch for a team in Korea and utility man Alejandro Prieto was activated from the DL. Justin Huber remains on the shelf with his tight hamstring.

AA - Wichita: Wranglers 5, Tulsa 2

3B Gordon 3-4, HR (17), 3 RBI (59) -- .303, leads team with .934 OPS
RF Butler 1-3, SF, RBI (75) -- .322, .857 OPS
LF Lubanski 2-4, 2B (27), 2 RS -- .273, .812 OPS
SS Sanchez 1-3, 2B (19), K, RS -- .285, back from HBP on elbow
CF Maier 1-3 -- .290, .798 OPS
2B Murphy 1-3, RS -- .230

Herndon 7 1/3 IP, 2 ER, 9 H, BB, K -- W, 8-4, 4.23 ERA
C. Smith 1 2/3 IP, 2 H, BB, 2 K -- SV, 2, 1.94 ERA in 65 IP

*** The Wranglers took the lead in the 6th and held on to beat the Drillers and split the 4-game set. Alex Gordon started his day with an RBI single in the 1st but Tulsa scored both of its runs in the 2nd on 3 hits off Junior Herndon. Tulsa held that lead until the 5th when 1B Kila Kaaihue doubled home a run to tie it and, after Angel Sanchez led off the 6th with a double, Gordon blasted his 17th homer for a 4-2 Wichita lead and his 3rd straight game with a longball. Herndon gave way to Cody Smith after 7 1/3 IP and Billy Butler added a sac fly in the 8th as the Wranglers nailed down the win. Wichita is 18-15 and back up 2 games on first. Tulsa 2B Doug Bernier was 2-4 with an RBI to move to .280, 1B Joe Koshansky was 1-4 with his 22nd double to drop to .302 and SS Troy Tulowitzki was 0-4 with his 51st RBI to drop to .292.

The Wranglers have Thursday off and start a 3-day, 4-game set with Arkansas Friday. Mike Sweeney is set to join the Wranglers Friday as his rehab progresses. C Paul Bako is also supposed to rehab at Wichita starting Friday.

High-A - High Desert: Mavs 5, Modesto 3

1B Stodolka 0-3, BB, 2 K, RS -- .302
LF Tomlin 3-4 -- .307
2B Falu 2-3, BB, 3B (5) -- .276
DH Valentin 0-4, SB (3) -- .295
CF Senreiso 2-3, 2 RS, SB (17) -- .273
C Duenas 2-4, 2B (9), HR (7), 2 RBI (29), 2 K, 2 RS -- .281
3B Lucas 2-3, SF, 2 RBI (46), K, CS -- .287

Weeden 5 IP, 2 ER, 7 H, BB, 7 K, WP -- ND, 5.62 ERA
Hicklen 3 IP, ER, 4 H, 2 BB, K, WP -- W, 3-6, 6.46 ERA
Plummer IP, nothing -- SV, 2, 4.80 ERA

*** Two late runs got the Mavs the win. Brandon Weeden got off to a tough start as he gave up a 2-out, 2-run single in the 1st but only allowed 3 more hits and a walk before leaving after the 5th. The Mavs tied the game in the 4th as Ed Lucas hit a sac fly and SS Michael Gaffney hit an RBI ground out. RP Patrick Hicklen walked in a run in the 6th but the Mavs retied it in the bottom of the frame on a Lucas RBI single. Irving Falu tripled with 1 out in the 7th but the Mavs were unable to bring him home. They capitalized in the 8th, tho, as Mike Stodolka led off with a walk and Tomas Duenas cranked a 2-run homer to left for his 7th of the season and a 5-3 lead. Jarod Plummer picked up his 2nd save with a quick 9th. High Desert is 16-15 and 1 1/2 games back of first. Nuts SS Jonathan Herrera was 3-5 with his 22nd steal to move to .301, DH Corey Wimberly was 2-5 with a double to move to .314 and 2B Jeff Dragicevich was 2-4 with 2 RBI (30) to improve to .277.

The series concludes Thursday. No announced starters.

Low-A - Burlington: Bees 6, Beloit 3

CF Duarte 3-5, 2B (14), 2 RBI (28), RS, SB (22), OF assist at second (MWL leader at 18) -- .271
DH Sweeney 1-4, HR, RBI -- .143
SS Johnson 0-1, 2 BB -- .251, 13th sac bunt of season ties team record set in '76
3B Lisson 1-4, RBI (50) -- .250
C Everett 1-4, RS -- .247

Kniginyzky 5 1/3 IP, ER, 6 H, 3 BB, 4 K -- W, 8-3, 3.22 ERA
Hayes 2 IP, ER, 2 H -- SV, 6, 2.21 ERA

*** Sweeney hit a homer for his one and only hit as a Bee before moving up to Wichita and the Bees held off the Snappers to win. Mario Lisson got the Bees started with an RBI single in the 1st but Beloit tied it off Matt Kniginyzky in the 3rd. The Bees got Sweeney's homer with 2 out in the 3rd to regain the lead and Jose Duarte padded it with a 2-run single in the 7th to make it 4-1. The Snappers got those runs back off RPs Eliszer Garcia and Chris Hayes in the 8th but Burlington put 2 runs right back up on the board in their half on an RBI single by 2B Valentino Arce and a passed ball that scored Brady Everett. Hayes had a 1-2-3 9th to end it. The Bees are 15-18. Snappers 3B Whitney Robbins was 2-2 with 2 walks, a double and his 23rd RBI to move to .337 and 1B Erik Lis was 1-4 with a RS to drop to .314.

The Bees and Snappers finish the set Thursday night. Chris Nicoll starts for the Bees.

Rookie - Idaho Falls: Chukars 5, Ogden 3

CF Dickerson 4-5, 2B (8), 2 RBI (18), 2 RS -- .340
2B Mertins 3-5, E (6) -- .425
C Boudreaux 2-4 -- .243
LF Morel 0-4, BB, K, SB (10) -- .287
SS McConnell 0-5 -- .370
1B Maddox 1-3, 2 BB, 2 RS, E (3) -- .301
RF Bigler 1-4, RBI (14), K -- .258

Chambliss 6 IP, 3 R (2 ER), 5 H, 5 K -- W, 1-2, 3.74 ERA
Mozingo 3 IP, H, BB, 4 K -- SV, 1, 7.71 ERA, best outing of season arguably

*** Idaho Falls scored its runs and then held on to beat the Raptors to take 2 of 3 in the series. Joe Dickerson started his great day at the plate with a 2-run double after 2 2-out walks in the 1st. Kurt Mertins drove Dickerson home with a single in the 3rd to make it 3-0 and RBI singles by Mertins and Brett Bigler in the 5th made it 5-0 as Tyler Chambliss had a 1-hitter through 4. He ran into trouble in the 5th as 2 hits and a Mertins error were good for 2 Ogden runs. Chambliss gave up another run on 2 hits in the 6th to cut the lead to 2 but Harold Mozingo took over in the 7th and allowed only a walk and a hit in separate innings to close it out for his 1st pro save. The Chukars are 22-14 and a game up on Orem with a crucial 3-game set with the Owlz looming. Ogden LF Ryan Rogowski was 2-4 with his 7th double to move to .294 and 3B Josh Bell was 2-4 to move to .259.

The Chukars and Orem Owlz (21-15, Rookie Angels) start their 3-game set Thursday night. Only the first 2 count for the first half, tho, I think, so the Chukars can clinch it with a win. No announced starters.

Rookie - AZL: off day

*** The Royals start the second half of the season Thursday night against the Angels.

Royals on the Farm 7/25

AAA - Omaha: Las Vegas 20, O-Royals 8

RF Allen 3-5 -- .327
2B Keppinger 2-5, RS -- .316
CF K. Robinson 3-5, 2 2B (17), 4 RBI (28), K, RS, OF assist at third -- .293, production from #9 slot
1B Cortez 2-6, RBI -- .234
C Tupman 0-4, BB, 2 RS, E (2) -- .222

Bautista 3 IP, 11 ER, 11 H, 3 BB, K -- L, 2-4, 7.42 ERA, how can he have such good starts and then such horrible ones?
Keppel 2 2/3 IP, 7 ER, 10 H, 2 BB, K, 2 HRA, WP -- 5.30 ERA, those two didn't fool many Tuesday
Loux 1 1/3 IP, K -- 6.75 ERA
Price IP, 2 ER, 3 H -- 6.00 ERA, why keep trotting out a position player?

*** The 51s were high rollers Tuesday as they scored in bunches and crushed the Royals. The Royals actually scored first as they put together 3 straight 1-out singles in the 1st and DH Mike Coolbaugh drove the run home for a 1-0 lead. Unfortunately, Las Vegas got to bat and Denny Bautista was giving off gas fumes. Seven straight 51s reached base as Las Vegas rallied for 6 runs in the 1st inning. The inning only ended when Kerry Robinson threw out a runner at third who was practicing the well-known "Berroa method" of base running. Robinson kept up the good play by doubling home 2 runs in his first AB of the game in the 2nd and Fernando Cortez singled Robinson home to cut the Vegas lead to 6-4. A throwing error by Matt Tupman helped the 51s score their first run of the 2nd on a steal attempt at third and Bautista gave up an RBI triple to make it 8-4. Bautista actually had a 1-2-3 inning in the 3rd but then reverted to giving up runs by giving up 2 in the 4th before getting pulled for Bobby Keppel, who fared only a little better. Keppel allowed a third Vegas run in the 4th (credited to Bautista) and, after Omaha scored on an RBI single by LF Rick Bell in the 5th, Keppel gave up 2 that inning and 5 in the 6th, including 2 homers and a 2-run double to make it 18-5 Vegas. Robinson doubled home 2 more runs in the 7th and Cortez hit an RBI ground out to make it 18-8 but C Jared Price was brought in to relieve Shane Loux and gave up 2 runs to finally finish the scoring. Omaha is 41-63. Vegas CF Matt Kemp was 4-5 with 3 doubles, 4 RBI and 3 RS to move to .385, C Edwin Bellorin was 2-4 with his 6th homer and 5 RBI (32) to move to .250, RF Delwyn Young was 4-6 with his 30th double, 14th homer and 2 RBI (68) to move to .282 and LF James Loney was 3-5 with 2 RBI (55) to improve to .380. Two other 51s -- the team is loaded with prospects, I didn't even get to Andy LaRoche -- had 3-hit games and another had a 2-hit game as the team drilled out 24 hits.

The teams face off again Wednesday night. Pitchers: RH Adam Bernero (2-3, 3.34) vs. Las Vegas LH Hong-Chih Kuo (1-2, 5.75).

AA - Wichita: Tulsa 14, Wichita 7

3B Gordon 1-5, HR (16), RBI (56), K -- .298
RF Butler 2-5, 2 RS -- .322
C Espino 3-4, 2 RBI (12), RS -- .268
CF Maier 2-4, RBI (67), 2 K, RS -- .289
LF Lubanski 2-5, RBI (51), K -- .270
2B Murphy 0-5 -- .229, majors to can't-play-AA in one season

Musser 2 2/3 IP, 11 R (5 ER), 9 H, 4 BB, 3 K, 4 HRA!, WP -- L, 4-2, 4.81 ERA, second straight bad start, no one can say this organization doesn't need pitching
Markray, DeHoyos and Cedeno gave up an ER each

*** When an error by SS Walter Sevilla helped lead to 6 runs in the 1st for the Drillers, it was easy to figure out it may not be the Wranglers' night. Neal Musser gave up a grand slam and another homer in the 6-run 1st and Wichita could get no closer than 4 the rest of the game. Wichita scored 2 in the 2nd on a 2-run single by C Damaso Espino but the Drillers scored 5 in the 3rd, including 2 more homers off Musser for an 11-2 lead. Alex Gordon hit a solo homer in the 3rd for his 16th of the season and the Wranglers scored twice in the 4th on RBI singles by Sevilla and Chris Lubanski. Thad Markray gave up a solo homer in the 5th for Tulsa's 5th homer of the game but Wichita got 2 runs back that inning on a Mitch Maier RBI single and Kila Kaaihue sac fly. That was it for the Wranglers, tho, as Tulsa tacked on 2 more over the final innings to win by a touchdown. Wichita is 17-15 and a game up on first. Tulsa CF Jordan Czarniecki, who did some damage against the Wranglers in early contests this season, was 4-5 Tuesday with 2 HR (11) and 5 RBI (50) to improve to .282, RF Seth Smith was 3-5 with his 10th homer and 4 RBI (49) to improve to .292, SS Troy Tulowitzki was 2-5 with 2 doubles (26) to move to .296 and 1B Joe Koshansky was 1-5 with his 85th RBI to drop to .302.

Wichita will try for a split of the 4-gamer Wednesday night. Junior Herndon takes the mound. P Tyler Lumsden is supposed to join the Wranglers soon -- I assume for the Arkansas series that starts Friday.

High-A - High Desert: Modesto 9, Mavs 8

1B Stodolka 1-4, BB, HR (11), 3 RBI (54), K, E (11) -- .305
2B W. Perez 2-5, RS -- .282
CF Senreiso 2-4, RBI (48), RS, OF assist at home -- .269
3B E. Lucas 2-4, 2 RBI (44), K, E (14) -- .283
LF Valentin 1-4, BB, RBI (43), 2 RS -- .299
C Thibault 1-4, K, RS, PB (1) -- .167

Green 3 1/3 IP, 2 ER, 3 H, BB, K, HRA -- ND, 8.53 ERA
de la Vara 1 2/3 IP, 4 UER, 3 H, E (1) -- BS, 1, L, 0-2, 3.38 ERA

*** Both teams had a comeback but the Nuts got the win with a late rally. Modesto took a 4-0 lead as the Mavs' offense couldn't get going. The Nuts scored once in the 2nd and 4th and twice in the 5th as Patrick Green made his second start of the year coming off an injury for the Mavs. The Mavs were being 2-hit by Modesto SP Greg Reynolds before he was pulled to start the 6th and the Mavs capitalized. HD scored 6 that inning on a bases loaded walk by Geraldo Valentin, a Mike Stodolka RBI ground out, RBI singles by Juan Senreiso and Brian McFall and a 2-run single by Ed Lucas for a 6-4 lead. Modesto got 1 run back off RPs Chase Vacek and Gilbert de la Vara in the 7th but the Mavs scored twice in their half on a Stodolka 2-run blast for his 11th of the season. Errors by Stodolka and de la Vara helped the Nuts with their 8th-inning comeback as all 4 runs in the inning were unearned and Modesto took a 9-8 lead. HD could only muster one more single and that was it for the Mavs. High Desert is 15-15 and 1 1/2 games back of first. Reynolds, the Rockies' 1st rounder in '06 (must be niced to have him signed and contributing), allowed 2 hits and a walk over 5 IP to lower his ERA to 2.65 and 5 Nuts had 2-hit games led by LF Justin Nelson going 2-3 with 2 walks, his 7th triple, 12th homer and 3 RBI (55) to move to .235. Nuts 2B Corey Wimberly was 1-5 to drop to .311.

The teams continue the series Wednesday afternoon. Brandon Weeden gets a spot start for HD.

Low-A - Burlington: Bees 3, Beloit 2

1B Vega 3-4, HR (13), 2 RBI (51) -- .247
DH Sweeney 0-3, BB, 2 K, RS -- .000, first rehab game
C Howell 2-4, 2 K -- .248
CF Duarte 0-4, BB, K, RS, SB (21), OF assist at home -- .265
2B Johnson 1-2, 3 BB -- .252
3B Lisson 1-5, 2 K, GW RBI (49) -- .250

Rosa 6 2/3 IP, ER, 6 H, BB, 4 K, balk -- ND, 2.63 ERA, another good start
Schambough 2 1/3 IP, ER, 2 H, 2 K -- BS, 3, W, 3-5, 2.44 ERA

*** Two swings of the bat helped the Bees get the win over the Snappers. Carlos Rosa had the Snappers shut down on 3 hits entering the 4th when Miguel Vega hit a 2-run homer (his 13th) to left that also brought home Mike Sweeney, who had walked to lead off the inning. Rosa gave up a 2-out RBI triple in the 5th to spoil the shutout bid but was pulled in the 7th after Jose Duarte threw out the would-be tying run at the plate for his MWL-leading 17th outfield assist. Kraig Schambough got the final out of the inning. The Bees loaded the bases with 2 out in the 8th but SS Omar Pena grounded out to kill the insurance rally. Chris McConnell's replacement is hitting a hefty .114 -- so much for an upgrade. Schambough gave up a leadoff double in the 9th and the Snappers got an RBI ground out to tie the game. Duarte walked with 1 out in the bottom of the 9th, stole second and advanced to third on a wild pitch before Mario Lisson singled him home to end the game. The Bees are 14-18. Beloit 3B Whitney Robbins was 1-4 to drop to .321 and 1B Erik Lis was 1-4 with his 32nd double to move to .314.

The series continues Wednesday night. Matt Kniginyzky gets the start for the Bees. SP Daniel Cortes has joined the Bees and may be joined by one of the Dodger pickups, if they don't go to High Desert.

Rookie - Idaho Falls: Chukars 6, Ogden 5

DH Maddox 3-5, K, RS -- .300
CF Dickerson 1-5, 2B (7), K -- .317
SS McConnell 2-5, 2B, 2 RBI (11), 2 K, E (3) -- .415
2B Mertins 2-3, BB, RS, picked off -- .413
RF Gonzalez 2-4, RBI, 2 RS, E (2) -- .211
LF Morel 0-5, 2 K, RS -- .296

Hardy 6 IP, ER, 2 H, 5 K -- W, 3-0, 2.92 ERA, another good start

*** The Chukars took the lead midway and fought off a late rally by the Raptors to get the victory. Rowdy Hardy gave up a triple and RBI ground out to the first 2 batters he faced but didn't give up another hit until a 2-out single in the 6th. Meanwhile, Idaho Falls took the lead with a 5-run 4th as O.D. Gonzalez hit an RBI single, 3B Eduardo Nunez hit a sac fly, a fielding error and a wild pitch allowed the third and fourth runs to score and Chris McConnell hit an RBI single to make it 5-1 Chukars. McConnell stroked an RBI double in the 6th to pad the lead but Nunez was thrown out at the plate to keep a second run from scoring and end the inning. Dan Best came in to pitch the 7th and got out of a 2-on, 0-out jam in that inning but gave up 2 singles and a 3-run homer to start the 8th and quickly trim the lead to 6-4. After a walk, Burke Baldwin came in and got out of the 8th without further damage. Baldwin gave up a run in the 9th and put the tying run at second but got 2 Ks to end the game. IF is 21-14 and tied with Orem atop the division. Ogden 1B Rick Taloa was 1-4 with his 7th homer and 4 RBI (21) to move to .271 and DH Matt Berezay was 2-5 to move to .300.

The teams wrap up the series Wednesday night. No announced pitchers.

Rookie - AZL: Brewers 7, Royals 2

3B Taylor 0-3, BB -- .303
2B A. Perez 2-3, BB, RBI (13), SB (9), CS (4) -- .288
CF D. Robinson 0-4, K -- .213
LF Dyson 0-5, RS -- .327
RF Van Stratten 0-3, BB -- .268
1B S. Lucas 1-2, 2B (7), RS -- .326

Arias 5 2/3 IP, 5 R (3 ER), 7 H, BB, 2 K -- L, 1-3, 2.54 ERA

*** The Royals had a chance for a share of the first-half AZL title but lost to the Brewers for the third time in four tries to finish in a tie for second. Alwin Perez put the Royals on top with a 2nd inning RBI single but the Brewers got the run back on a 2-out RBI double off Henry Arias in the bottom of the inning after an error and passed ball helped the cause. The Brew Crew rallied for 3 off Arias in the 5th but 3 Brewer errors in the top of the 6th helped the Royals to a run to cut the lead to 4-2. RP Henry Barrera gave up a 2-out, 2-run single in the 6th and another insurance run came on a bases loaded walk by RP Yensi Lopez in the 7th. The Royals loaded the bases with 2 out in the 8th but failed to score and went down quietly in the 9th to end the game. The Royals dropped to 17-11 and finished the first half a 1/2 game back of the Pads for first. Brewers SS Brent Brewer (has his name on front AND back of his uni) was 2-5 with 3 RBI (11) to move to .222 and DH Andrew Lefave was 1-5 to drop to .447.

The Royals get a 1-day break before the second half starts with night games Thursday.

Royals on the Farm 7/24

AAA - Omaha: O-Royals 10, Round Rock 5

DH Coolbaugh 3-5, HR (4), RBI, K -- .211
2B Keppinger 2-3, 2 BB, 2 RBI, RS -- .286, first RBI as Royal product
CF K. Robinson 2-5, 2B (15), 2 RBI (24), 2 RS -- .287
RF Allen 1-4, BB, HR (12), 2 RBI (65), K -- .323
LF Bell 2-5, RBI, K -- .212
1B Cortez 2-5, 2 RS -- .228
SS Blanco 2-4, RS, E (19) -- .235
C Tupman 1-5, RS -- .250

Baerlocher 7 IP, 5 ER, 6 H, 3 BB, 7 K, 2 HRA -- W, 5-4, 4.05 ERA
Etherton 2 IP, 3 H, 3 K -- 4.76 ERA

*** The Royals pounded Round Rock starter Ezequiel Astacio for 7 ER and salvaged the series finale with the 10-5 win. Ryan Baerlocher gave up a solo homer in the 1st but Omaha got the run back in the bottom of the frame with an RBI single by 3B Mike Aviles. The Royals took command with a 5-run 2nd as Kerry Robinson cracked a 2-run double and was singled home by Jeff Keppinger before Chad Allen cranked a 2-run homer to left for his 12th of the season and a 6-1 Royal lead. The Express rallied for 3 runs off Baerlocher in the 3rd to cut the gap to 2 but Omaha scored again in the 3rd on another Keppinger RBI single and twice in the 4th on an Express throwing error that scored Aviles and a Rick Bell RBI single to make it 9-4. Baerlocher gave up another solo homer in the 7th but that was all the damage Round Rock would do Monday. Mike Coolbaugh got the run back in the 8th with a solo homer to left center for his 4th of the season. Omaha is 41-62 and, for the first time in a while, out of the absolute cellar in the division as Memphis has slipped 1/2 a game back. Express 1B Hector Gimenez was 2-4 with his 27th RBI to move to .283, 3B Joe McEwing was 2-5 to move to .280 and 2B Brooks Conrad was 2-5 with his 13th homer and 68th RBI to improve to .253.

The Royals move on for a 4-game set at the Las Vegas 51s (48-55, AAA Dodgers) starting Tuesday. Pitchers: RH Denny Bautista (2-3, 5.35) vs. 51s RH Joel Hanrahan (2-1, 5.21).

AA - Wichita: Tulsa 16, Wranglers 11

3B Gordon 1-5, HR (15), RBI (55), 2 K, 2 E (9) -- .299
RF Butler 1-4, BB, K, RS -- .321
DH D. Brown 3-4, BB, HR (10), 2 RBI (44), 2 RS -- .291
LF Lubanski 2-4, 2 BB, 2 HR (9), 5 RBI (50) -- .268
CF Maier 2-4, BB, RS, CS -- .287
SS Sanchez 1-1, HBP, RS -- .285, pulled in third, hit on 2nd AB in 1st
2B Murphy 1-5, 3 K, RS -- .233
C Donachie 0-4, BB, RBI (3), 3 K, RS -- .161

Greinke 4 2/3 IP, 9 R (8 ER), 8 H, BB, 5 K, 2 HRA, WP -- ND, 5.93 ERA, ugly start
Lowery 3 IP, 3 ER, 3 H, BB, 3 K, HRA -- L, 2-1, 7.88 ERA

*** Zack Greinke and two relievers helped Wichita cough up an 8-run lead in falling to the Drillers. Twelve Wranglers came to bat in the 1st as they scored 8 runs off Drillers SP Zack Parker, so it wasn't good to be a starter named Zack in Wichita Monday night. The Wranglers loaded the bases with 1 out in the 1st and the first run scored on a Dee Brown walk before 1B Justin Gemoll singled home 2 runs, Adam Donachie hit an RBI fielder's choice that resulted in no outs, and Chris Lubanski cranked a grand slam to right for his 8th homer of the season to make it 8-0. Parker got pulled and RP Alberto Arias got out of the inning with no more damage. Greinke held the Drillers in check until the 4th when Alex Gordon made an error and Greinke gave up a grand slam and RBI single to cut the lead to 8-5. The Tulsa comeback was completed in the 5th when Greinke gave up 3 straight hits, including a 2-run double, to start the inning and a 2-run homer with 2 outs before getting pulled for Devon Lowery with Tulsa now ahead, 9-8. Gordon atoned for his 4th inning error with a solo homer in the 5th for his 15th of the season and the Wranglers regained the lead on a Brown solo homer (his 10th) to lead off the 6th. Lowery gave up a 2-run homer to Tulsa 1B Joe Koshansky in the 7th to give the lead back to Tulsa but Lubanski's second homer of the game to lead off the 8th (his 9th) tied the game at 11. Lowery was pulled for Nate Hoelscher with 2 on and 2 out in the 8th and Hoelscher gave up a go-ahead single before getting touched for consecutive RBI triples and a sac fly in the 9th to give Tulsa the 16-11 lead. The Wranglers didn't put up another rally. Wichita is 17-14 and still a game up on first. Tulsa RF Seth Smith was 3-5 with an RBI and 3 RS to move to .288, Koshansky was 2-4 with his 25th homer, 3 RS and 2 RBI (84) to move to .304, DH Joe Gaetti was 1-4 with the GS (13) and 4 RBI (47) to move to .292 and SS Troy Tulowitzki was 1-4 with 2 RS to move to .294.

The teams recover to play Tuesday night. Neal Musser will start for Wichita. Here's a classic postgame quote from Greinke from the Eagle: "I started off bad (in the fourth)," Greinke said. "I had been in a groove. Then it started out bad. I don't know. After four or five hitters, I lost the feel I had in the first three innings and never got it back. I sucked for two innings. If I would have stayed out there, I would have continued to suck." Sanchez is listed as day-to-day as he was hit by a pitch on the elbow.

High-A - High Desert: off day

*** High Desert is 15-14 and 1 1/2 games back of Lake Elsinore. The Mavericks play host to the Modesto Nuts (10-21, High-A Rockies) for 3 games starting Tuesday night.

Low-A - Burlington: Beloit 11, Bees 0

CF Duarte 1-2, 2 BB, SB (20) -- .269
C Howell 1-3, K -- .244, Bees' only 2 hits
2B Johnson 0-4, K, E (5) -- .250
DH Everett 0-3, 2 K -- .247

Santiago 5 IP, 6 R (5 ER), 9 H, 3 K -- L, 2-3, 5.27 ERA, no walks, tho
Oliveros and Garcia 2 2/3 IP scoreless relief

*** Mario Santiago gave up 6 runs in the top of the 1st and the Bees never recovered. A fielding error by 3B Mario Lisson (his 21st) was sandwiched between a total of 7 straight singles as the Snappers scored their 6 runs in the opening frame. Jose Duarte led off the Bees 1st with a single but the only other hit the Bees had came from Jeff Howell to lead off the 2nd. Duarte reached base twice more on walks but that was it for the Bees. RP Yovany Damico gave up the other 5 ER on a solo homer in the 6th and grand slam in the 7th. The Bees are 13-18. Beloit SP Oswaldo Sosa went 6 IP and allowed 2 hits and a walk with 8 Ks to improve to 8-7 with a 2.74 ERA, DH Eli Tintor was 1-5 with the GS (6) and 5 RBI (36) to drop to .279, 1B Erik Lis was 2-4 with his 50th RBI and 2 RS to move to .315 and SS Paul Kelly was 3-4 with his 48th RBI and 2 RS to move to .280.

The series continues Tuesday as Carlos Rosa pitches for Burlington. Mike "Mr. Brittle" Sweeney starts his rehab outing for Burlington.

Rookie - Idaho Falls: Ogden 7, Chukars 4

SS McConnell 2-5, K, RS -- .417
2B Maddox 2-5, 2B (10), RBI (18), 2 K, RS -- .286
C Lance 2-5, RBI, K, picked off runner at third -- .222
LF Morel 1-4, K -- .308
CF Bigler 1-2, 2 BB, RBI (13), picked off -- .258
*13 left on base

Cribb 3 IP, 4 ER, 7 H, BB, 2 K -- ND, 3.06 ERA, by the way, he's a college teammate of new pickup Tyler Lumsden
Gutierrez 3 IP, 3 ER, 5 H, BB, 2 K, HRA -- L, 0-2, 6.66 ERA
Casey 2 IP, BB, 2 K -- 5.40 ERA, much better in low-pressure situations

*** The Chukars blew a 4-0 lead as Ogden scored 7 straight to win the series opener. IF got three straight 1-out singles in the 1st with the third being an RBI hit by Marc Maddox for a 1-0 lead. The Chukars padded the lead with a 3-run 3rd as Brandon Lance hit an RBI single, Brett Bigler drew a bases-loaded walk and another run scored on a passed ball. That was the Chukars' last gasp, tho, as the Raptors tied it with 4 in the 3rd off Josh Cribb on 6 singles and a sac fly. Daniel Gutierrez gave up the go-ahead run on a wild pitch in the 4th and a 2-run homer in the 6th to make it 7-4. The Chukars had base runners in each inning from the 4th through the 7th but couldn't cash in. Idaho Falls is 20-14 and a game back of first with only 4 games left in the half. Ogden DH Matt Berezay was 3-5 with his 4th homer, 2 RBI (14) and 2 RS to move to .292, CF Thomas Giles was 3-4 to move to .242 and 2B Parker Brooks was 2-4 with a double to move to .370.

The teams match up again Tuesday night. No announced starters.

Rookie - AZL: Royals 2, Padres 0

RF Van Stratten 2-4, RBI (15), K -- .277, hitting well lately
3B Taylor 0-3, BB -- .315
LF Dyson 1-4, K, RS, OF assist at second -- .362
CF D. Robinson 1-4, 2B (5), RBI, K -- .222
1B S. Lucas 0-4, K -- .323

Fisher 4 1/3 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 3 BB, 6 K, pickoff -- ND, 1.78 ERA
McLintock 2 2/3 IP, 3 H, BB, K -- W, 2-1, 3.31 ERA
Cummings 2 IP, H, K -- SV, 1, 1.08 ERA

*** Three Royals pitchers combined to shutout the Padres. Brent Fisher got in some minor trouble in the 1st but got out of it and the game settled into a pitchers' duel before the Royals scored twice in the 8th on an RBI double by Derrick Robinson, who was thrown out at home on an ensuing single by Jarrod Dyson, and a Nick Van Stratten RBI single. The Royals moved to 17-10. Pads SP Pablo Menchaca allowed 2 hits and 2 walks with 4 K over 5 IP to drop his ERA to 4.74, 2B Ray Stokes was 2-3 to move to .267 and 1B Jeremy Hunt was 1-4 to drop to .365.

The Royals faced the Brewers and lost Tuesday. More on that in the next report.

Royals on the Farm 7/23

AAA - Omaha: Round Rock 14, O-Royals 2

RF Allen 2-3, 2 BB, K, RS -- .324
DH Coolbaugh 2-4, BB, RBI -- .182
1B Cortez 2-3, BB -- .219
2B Keppinger 0-4, BB -- .182
3B Clapinski 1-2, BB, HBP, 2B, RBI, K, E (5) -- .179
CF K. Robinson 0-3, 2 BB, RS, SB (15), CS (9) -- .285
C Tupman 0-5, K -- .259
SS Blanco 0-4 -- .231
* 13 left on base

Middleton 4 IP, 11 R (10 ER), 11 H, 3 BB, 2 K, 4 HRA -- L, 0-4, 6.39 ERA, YIKES, ERA jumped 3 runs
Braun, Peralta and C Jared Price 4 IP scoreless relief -- why Price was used I don't know

*** Kyle Middleton got hammered like Charlie Brown on the mound and the Express steamrolled the Royals. Middleton gave up an RBI double and 3-run homer in the 1st and another homer in the 2nd for a 5-0 Express lead. Omaha's early highlight was the ejection of 3B Mike Aviles after arguing a strikeout in the 1st as the Royals drew 3 walks in the inning but didn't score. They got on the board in the 3rd on a Mike Coolbaugh RBI single but Round Rock scored 3 runs on 4 straight hits in the 4th and erupted for 6 runs off Middleton and Shane Loux in the 5th to make it 14-1. Chris Clapinski doubled home the Royals' other run in the 5th before three Omaha relievers held the Express to only 2 more hits, including catcher Jared Price's 2 innings of 1-hit pitching. The Omaha World-Herald reports it was his first pitching appearance since high school and he was hurling some 70-mph warmth. Omaha is 40-62. Express RP Philip Barzilla pitched 4 2/3 innings of 3-hit, 3-walk baseball to improve to 7-3 with a 3.58 ERA, RR DH Mike Rodriguez was 4-5 with his 5th homer and 2 RBI (27) to improve to .273, 3B Joe McEwing was 2-4 with a double and his 31st RBI to move to .278 and CF Jason Lane was 2-5 with a double and his 1st AAA homer after spending most of the season with the Astros. He had 6 RBI in moving to .300.

The series ends Monday. Pitchers: RR RH Ezequiel Astacio (4-2, 4.59) vs. RH Ryan Baerlocher (4-4, 3.82).

AA - Wichita: Wranglers 10, Tulsa 7 (10)

3B Gordon 1-4, BB, K, RS -- .301
RF Butler 0-5 -- .321
CF Maier 4-5, 2B (21), HR (11), 2 RBI (66), 2 RS -- .285, when he has big games, he has big games
LF Lubanski 1-5, HR (7), 3 RBI (45), K -- .265
SS Sanchez 2-4, BB, RBI (43), K, RS, CS, E (20) -- .283
DH D. Brown 2-4, BB, K, 2 RS -- .283
2B Murphy 0-5, K -- .234
1B Kaaihue 1-3, 2 BB, walk-off HR (1), 3 RBI (28), 2 RS -- .183
C Donachie 0-3, BB, K, RS -- .185

Song 6 2/3 IP, 4 ER, 7 H, 4 BB, 4 K, HRA -- ND, 5.74 ERA
C. Smith 3 1/3 IP, 3 R (1 ER), 4 H, 3 K -- W, 9-0, 1.99 ERA, Cody strikes again

*** Kila Kaaihue picked the perfect time and place for his 1st homer as a Wrangler with a walkoff shot in the 10th. Seung Song gave up a run in the 1st but Wichita matched it on a wild pitch that scored a run in the bottom of the 1st. Song gave up a solo homer in the 3rd and Wichita threatened to match it in the 4th but Dee Brown was thrown out at home trying to score from first on a Mitch Maier double. The Drillers scored twice more off Song in the 5th to make it 4-1. One swing of the bat by Chris Lubanski tied it in the 5th as he cranked a 3-run homer to left for his 7th homer of the season. An Angel Sanchez RBI single in the 7th gave Wichita the lead and the Wranglers padded it with 2 in the 8th on a Maier 2-run homer for his 11th of the season. Cody Smith, who took over for Song in the 7th and had been lockdown this season, entered the 9th with a 3-run lead but gave up 3 hits for 3 runs. Two were unearned after a Sanchez error with 1 out. The game went into the bottom of the 10th tied at 7 before Brown and Maier led off the inning with singles. Donnie Murphy flew out but Kaaihue cashed in with a 3-run jack to center for the walkoff blast. I'd say that's his first highlight of the season. Wichita is 17-13 and 2 games up on first. Tulsa DH Joe Koshansky was 2-4 with his 21st double and 2 RBI (82) to improve to .301, 3B Ian Stewart was 2-4 with his 30th double, 6th triple and 2 RBI (52) to improve to .272 and SS Troy Tulowitzki was 1-5 with his 23rd error to drop to .294.

The teams play game 2 of the set Monday night. Zack Greinke starts for Wichita.

High-A - High Desert: Mavs 13, Stockton 5

DH Stodolka 3-5, 2B (22), RBI (51), 3 RS -- .306
CF Valentin 3-5, 2B (13), RBI (42), RS -- .300
3B E. Lucas 3-5, 2 2B (22), 3 RBI (42), RS, SB (11) -- .280, picking it up lately
RF McFall 2-5, HR (13), 3 RBI (51), K -- .245
LF Tomlin 2-4, BB, 2B (14), 2 RS -- .295
2B W. Perez 2-4, SF, RBI (28), K, RS -- .280

Christensen 5 IP, 5 ER, 7 H, 3 BB, 2 K, WP -- W, 2-6, 5.66 ERA
Hicklen, Barnes and Plummer 4 IP scoreless relief

*** The Mavericks scored in every inning from the 2nd through the 6th and rolled past the Ports to avoid a sweep. Edward Lucas doubled the first 2 High Desert runs home in the 2nd and HD struck for 4 in the 3rd on a Mike Stodolka RBI single, a wild pitch that scored a run, an RBI double by C Tomas Duenas and another wild pitch that scored Duenas. SS Irving Falu drove home a run with an RBI single in the 4th and a Geraldo Valentin ground-rule double brought Falu home to make it 8-0. Danny Christensen had fought his way through the first 4 innings without damage but gave up 5 runs in the 5th on 6 hits. The Mavs got 2 runs back in the 5th on a solo homer by Brian McFall (his 13th) and a Wilver Perez sac fly and added another run in the 6th on a McFall RBI single. The final 2 HD runs scored in the 8th on a Lucas RBI single and McFall RBI force out. The Mavs got nifty relief from Patrick Hicklen, Justin Barnes and Jarod Plummer to finish the game. High Desert is 15-14 and 2 games back of first. Ports LF Luis Perez was 3-4 with his 10th double to move to .269, 2B Eduardo Cornejo was 2-4 with a triple and RBI to move to .407 and C Landon Powell was 1-4 with his 41st RBI to drop to .256.

The Mavs have Monday off.

Low-A - Burlington: Bees 2, Wisconsin 1 (10)

1B Vega 1-3, HR (12), RBI (49), K -- .242
CF Duarte 1-4, BB, K -- .267
2B Johnson 0-4, BB -- .254
C Everett 0-3, BB, PB (1) -- .252

Cordier 4 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, BB, 3 K, E (1) -- ND, 1.20 ERA, blister put him on pitch count
Henninger 3 IP, ER, 3 H, BB, 2 K -- 5.81 ERA
Hayes 3 IP, H, 2 BB, 3 K, WP -- W, 3-3, 2.12 ERA

*** A Rattler throwing error got the Bees the win in extra innings. Starters Erik Cordier and the Rattlers' David Asher dueled until Cordier left on a pitch count. The Bees took the lead in the 4th on a solo homer by Miguel Vega for his 12th of the season but RP David Henninger gave the run back in the 5th on a 2-out RBI double. The Bees got their first two batters on in the 8th but couldn't cash in and loaded the bases with 1 out in the bottom of the 9th but again didn't score. Valentino Arce singled to lead off the Bees 10th and Jose Duarte walked before Josh Johnson reached on a throwing error that allowed Arce to score the winning run. The Bees are 13-17. Asher allowed only the ER on 2 hits and 2 walks over 7 IP to move his ERA to 3.05. Rattlers LF Kuo-Hui Lo was 1-5 with a double and RBI and his 8th steal to move to .292.

The Bees are set for 4 games at home vs. the Beloit Snappers (16-14, Low-A Twins) starting Monday. Mario Santiago gets the start in game 1. KC DH Mike Sweeney is set to begin a rehab stint with the Bees Tuesday night.

Rookie - Idaho Falls: Chukars 5, Great Falls 4

C Balduf 3-4, RS -- .233
2B Mertins 0-2, 2 BB, K, RS -- .403
SS McConnell 1-5, K -- .419
LF Morel 2-4, 2B, RBI (21) -- .310
DH Hayes 2-5, 2B, RBI (13), 2 K, RS -- .264
3B Herrera 2-4, 2B (9), RBI (18), K, RS, E (6) -- .281
CF Bigler 2-4, RBI (12), K -- .253
1B Maddox 1-4, RBI (17), K, 2 E (2) -- .280

Teaford 4 IP, 3 R (2 ER), 5 H, 3 BB, 3 K, WP, 2 pickoffs -- ND, 2.73 ERA
Hartsock 5 IP, ER, H, BB, 5 K -- W, 3-0, 1.78 ERA

*** A big 8th got the Chukars a comeback win. Everett Teaford allowed a White Sox run in the 1st but the Chukars bounced back with 2 in the 3rd on an RBI double by Shawn Hayes and an RBI single by Marc Maddox for a 2-1 lead. Great Falls regained the lead with a 2-run 4th off Teaford and 3-2 was the score entering the 8th when Great Falls padded its lead with a sac fly off Aaron Hartsock to make it 4-2. Brenan Herrera hit a 1-out RBI double in the 8th to cut the Sox lead to 1 and, two batters later, Brett Bigler tied the game with an RBI base hit to left. Todd Balduf singled to load the bases and Alvi Morel had the big hit with a run-scoring single to give the Chukars the lead. Hartsock pitched a 1-2-3 9th to earn the win. Idaho Falls is 20-13 and still tied with Orem for first. GF 1B Vernon Carter was 0-3 with 3 K to drop to .342 and CF Archie Gilbert was 0-3 to drop to .351.

The Chukars and the Ogden Raptors (15-18, Rookie Dodgers) start a 3-game set Monday. No announced starters.

Rookie - AZL: Royals 8, Athletics 0

3B Taylor 1-4, 2B, RS -- .329
RF Van Stratten 2-4, 2 RS -- .267
SS Juan 2-4, 2B, 2 RBI (11), K, E (7) -- .250
CF D. Robinson 1-3, 2 BB, 2B, 2 RS, 2 SB (11) -- .221
1B S. Lucas 1-3, HBP, 3B (7), 2 RBI (31), RS -- .337
OF Dyson 1-4, RBI, CS -- .372

Raglione 6 1/3 IP, 0 ER, 7 H, 5 K, WP, E (1) -- W, 2-0, 3.57 ERA, great start
Hauff and Chavez 2 2/3 IP hitless relief

*** The Royals got it going in three innings midway through the game and earned their 2nd straight shutout victory. Paul Raglione didn't have an easy inning but kept the A's silent and the Royals took the lead with 2 in the 5th on an RBI single by C Nick Doscher and an RBI double by Manny Juan. The Royals tacked on 4 in the 6th on a 2-run triple by Scott Lucas, an RBI single by 2B Alwin Perez and a Juan RBI single to make it 6-0. The final 2 runs came in the 7th on a Nick Van Stratten RBI single and RBI force out by Jarrod Dyson. The Royals are 16-10. A's SS Angel Corporan was 2-4 to move to .263 and 2B Marcos Luis was 1-4 to drop to .292.

The Royals played the Padres Monday morning and got their 3rd straight shutout win. More on that in the next report.

Royals on the Farm 7/22

AAA - Omaha: Round Rock 2, O-Royals 0 (7/G1)

C Tupman 2-3, K -- .318
2B Keppinger 1-3 -- .333 in team debut, those 3 hits are the only ones for Omaha in game 1
CF K. Robinson 0-3 -- .293
RF Allen 0-2, BB, K, OF assist at home -- .325
SS Blanco 0-1, BB -- .237

Bernero 3 IP, 2 ER, 2 H, 2 BB, 4 K -- L, 2-3, 3.34 ERA
Osborne 4 IP, 4 H, BB, 4 K -- 6.00 ERA, actually solid over last 2 outings

*** Express ace Jason Hirsh held the Royals to 2 hits over 6 IP and Round Rock took the first of two Saturday. The only runs of the game came for Round Rock off Adam Bernero in the 3rd on a triple, walk and sacrifice fly. Omaha scattered its 3 hits and 3 walks and had 2 runners on in only 1 inning -- the 1st. Omaha dropped to 40-60. Hirsh won his 10th straight decision as he allowed 2 hits and 3 walks with 4 Ks in improving to 11-2 with a 2.08 ERA, 1B Joe McEwing was 1-1 with his 30th RBI to move to .279 and CF Jason Lane was 1-3 to move to .303.

Round Rock 3, O-Royals 1 (7/G2)

3B Aviles 2-2, BB -- .252
LF Bell 2-3 -- .208
1B Coolbaugh 2-3, 2B, RS -- .161
C Price 0-1, BB, SF, RBI (10), K, PB (9) -- .150
RF Allen 0-4, K, OF assist at home -- .321
2B Keppinger 1-4 -- .286
CF K. Robinson 0-4, K -- .288
SS Blanco 0-3, K -- .234

Van Hekken 5 1/3 IP, 3 ER, 6 H, BB, 4 K, WP -- L, 0-1, 5.06 ERA, ho-hum debut
Peralta and Etherton 1 2/3 IP scoreless relief

*** In the nightcap it was Express SP Wandy Rodriguez's turn to hold down Omaha as he allowed only 4 hits and 2 walks over 5 IP and Round Rock held on for a 3-1 win. Two doubles off newest Royal pitcher Andy Van Hekken in the 2nd got Round Rock 2 runs but Omaha loaded the bases in the bottom of the 2nd only to see Andres Blanco fly out to end the would-be rally. Omaha loaded the bases again in the 4th, this time with 0 out, but a pop out and 2 strikeouts -- the second again by Blanco -- ended the threat. RP Joel Peralta took over for Hekken with 2 in scoring position and 1 out in the 6th and Peralta got a fly out and walk to load the bases before allowing a run-scoring single. On the play, though, Chad Allen threw out a would-be second run at the plate to keep the Royals within striking distance at 3-0. The Royals loaded the bases for a third time with 1 out in the 6th and Jared Price broke the ice with a sac fly to make it 3-1 but Blanco again was a rally-killer with an inning-ending ground out. Jeff Keppinger got a 1-out single in the bottom of the 7th in the doubleheader-shortened contest but Allen grounded into a double play to end the game. Omaha is 40-61. Rodriguez moved to 1-0 with the win in his AAA debut for '06. C Humberto Quintero was 2-3 with his 18th double and 25th RBI to move to .296 and McEwing was 0-4 to drop to .275.

The teams were set to match back up Sunday afternoon. Pitchers: RR LH Mark McLemore (1-1, 2.05) vs. RH Kyle Middleton (0-3, 3.38).

AA - Wichita: Wranglers 12, Springfield 3

3B Gordon 2-5, 2B (26), RBI (54), K, 2 RS -- .301
RF Butler 4-5, 2B (28), RBI (74), 2 RS -- .326, raking
CF Maier 2-4, SF, 3B (6), 4 RBI (64), 2 RS, OF assist at second -- .278
C Espino 2-3, BB, SF, RBI, CS -- .252
DH D. Brown 2-5, 2B (15), RBI (42), K, RS -- .279
LF Lubanski 1-3, BB, SF, 3B (7), 2 RBI (42), K, RS -- .266
SS Sanchez 0-4, BB, 2 K -- .281
2B Murphy 0-3, BB, K, RS -- .238

Buckner 7 IP, 0 ER, 5 H, BB, 5 K -- W, 1-1, 5.81 ERA, very nice start for first AA win

*** Wichita scored multiple runs in 4 innings and rolled over the Cardinals in the series' closer. The Wranglers started the scoring with 4 in the 2nd on a Mitch Maier RBI single, Damaso Espino sac fly and a Chris Lubanski RBI triple on which he also scored after the Cards' second error of the inning. Wichita added 2 runs in the 5th on an Alex Gordon RBI double and Billy Butler RBI single. There were some fireworks in the 6th when it was ruled that Donnie Murphy didn't touch first on a would-be RBI double that was nullified by the umpire. Murphy was ejected for unspecified reasons in the 7th. Billy Buckner left after 7 IP of shutout ball and the Wranglers padded their lead with a 4-run 7th in which Dee Brown hit an RBI single, Maier hit a 2-run triple and Lubanski hit a sac fly for a 10-0 lead. Wichita's final 2 runs came in the 8th on yet another Cardinals error (they made 5 in the game) and a Maier sac fly. All 3 Springfield runs came in the 9th as RP Juan Cedeno didn't get an out in going single, walk, walk, walk (run scored) before Nate Hoelscher gave up a 2-run double. It was way too little, too late for the Cards, however. Wichita is 16-13 and now up 2 games on first. Six of the Wranglers' runs were unearned. Cards CF Shaun Boyd was 2-5 with a double and 2 RBI to improve to .309 and 3B Juan Richardson was 3-4 to improve to .308.

The first-half champion Tulsa Drillers (12-16, AA Rockies) come to town for 4 games starting Sunday afternoon. Seung Song starts Sunday.

High-A - High Desert: Stockton 8, Mavs 4

SS Falu 3-5, 2 RS -- .275
1B Stodolka 0-4, K -- .301
2B W. Perez 2-5, RS -- .277
DH Duenas 2-4, RBI (26), K -- .274
LF Tomlin 1-4 -- .290
C Thibault 1-3, BB, RS, E (1) -- .150

Cota 7 IP, 5 R (4 ER), 9 H, 2 BB, 9 K!, balk -- L, 4-9, 7.16 ERA
de la Vara 2 IP, 3 ER, 4 H, 2 K, WP -- 4.00 ERA

*** All but 2 of the Ports' runs were scored from the 6th on as the Mavs coughed up the game. Irving Falu led off the Mavs 1st with a single and scored on a Wilver Perez single after a Stockton error. Tomas Duenas drove Perez home later in the inning and the Mavs took a 2-0 lead. Luis Cota gave up a 2-run double in the 2nd to tie the game but HD regained the lead in the 5th on two more Ports errors to make it 4-2. Cota got touched up for another run in the 6th and gave up 2 in the 7th, although 1 gets credited to a dumb play by Kiel Thibault. Cota walked in a run on a full-count pitch on which the runner at first took off for second. Thibault ignored the walk call to fire the ball into centerfield, which allowed the go-ahead run to score. RP Gilbert de la Vara gave up another run in the 8th and 2 runs in the 9th to ice the game for Stockton. High Desert is 14-14. Ports 1B Tommy Everidge was 4-5 with 2 doubles (22), an RBI (54) and 2 RS to move to .253, 3B Brian Snyder was 3-4 with an RBI and RS to move to .323 and 2B Eduardo Cornejo was 2-4 with a double and 2 RS to move to .403.

The series concludes Sunday as the Mavs try to avoid a sweep. Danny Christensen starts for HD.

Low-A - Burlington: Wisconsin 5, Bees 3

3B Lisson 3-5, RS, 2 SB (29) -- .256
LF Arce 2-4, K, CS, OF assist at home -- .225
SS Johnson 0-5, K -- .258
DH Everett 1-3, HR (5), RBI (17) -- .256
RF Arroyo 1-4, RBI (24), SB (9) -- .252

Nicoll 6 IP, ER, 3 H, 2 BB, 5 K, HRA, 3 hit batsmen -- ND, 2.63 ERA
Damico 1/3 IP, 3 ER, 2 H, BB -- L, 1-5, 3.17 ERA
Harkcom 2 2/3 IP, ER, 2 H, BB, 2 K -- BS, 1, 3.77 ERA

*** The Bee bullpen faltered as Wisconsin got the comeback victory. Carlos Arroyo got Burlington started with an RBI ground out in the 2nd but Wisconsin tied it with a leadoff homer off Chris Nicoll in the 4th. The go-ahead run was coming home on a 2-out single but Valentino Arce threw out the runner at the plate to keep the game tied. Brady Everett made the out count as he led off the Bees 4th with a solo homer for his 5th of the season and a 2-1 lead. The Bees loaded the bases with 1 out but couldn't capitalize. They loaded the bases again in the 5th, this time with no outs, and scored once on an Everett double play ball but that was it for the rally. Nicoll left the 3-1 lead to RP Yovany Damico to start the 7th and things went bad. Damico gave up a 1-out RBI single before giving way to Cody Harkcom with runners at the corners and Harkcom gave up a sac fly and 2 RBI base hits to give the Rattlers a 5-3 lead. The Bees' last hurrah came in the 7th as Mario Lisson got to third with 2 out but didn't score. The Bees are 12-17 and 6 games back of first. The Rattlers got 5 innings of hitless relief from 4 RPs. Wisconsin SS Chris Minaker was 1-3 with his 1st homer and 2 RBI to move to .333 and 2B Robert Hudson was 2-3 with a RS to move to .289.

The teams finish the set Sunday afternoon. Erik Cordier makes his first home start for the Bees.

Rookie - Idaho Falls: Chukars 11, Great Falls 10

DH Turner 4-5, 3 2B, RBI (14), 3 RS -- .215
2B Mertins 1-3, 2 RS, SB (7) -- .414
SS McConnell 2-6, E (2) -- .462
LF Morel 2-5, HBP, RBI (20), K, RS, OF assist at second -- .304
CF Dickerson 0-3 -- .323, left after running into OF wall in 6th
1B Maddox 1-5, BB, RBI (16), K, RS -- .281
C Boudreaux 2-5, 2 RBI, 2 K, RS, 2 E (3) -- .212
RF/CF Bigler 1-4, 2 RBI (11) -- .241
PH Hayes 1-1, 2B, 2 RBI (12) -- .250
3B Nunez 2-4, 2B, RBI -- .216
*The Chukars left 12 on base.

B. Wood 3 2/3 IP, 5 R (4 ER), 5 H, 2 BB, 3 K, WP -- ND, 7.15 ERA
Abreu 3 IP, 4 ER, 4 H, 3 BB, 2 K, HRA -- 5.72 ERA
Best 2 1/3 IP, ER, 2 H, 2 K, HRA -- W, 5-0, 2.35 ERA

*** An amazing comeback got the Chukars the win over the pesky White Sox. IF starter Blake Wood allowed 4 runs on 3 hits, a walk and a wild pitch in the 2nd to make it 4-0 GF but the Chukars got 1 run back that inning on a Ross Boudreaux RBI single. Wood gave the White Sox the run back in the 3rd before the Chukars struck for 2 in the 4th on a 2-run Sox throwing error to make it 5-3. Idaho Falls hit an unlucky patch in the 6th as Great Falls DH Joe Hunter hit what would be ruled a 2-run inside-the-park homer after Dickerson hit the wall and had to be helped off the field. RPs Juan Abreu and Dan Best gave up 2 runs in the 7th and Best gave up a solo homer in the 8th to make the score 10-3 Great Falls. The Chukars got runners to second and third with no outs in the 8th and scored on an RBI ground out by Brett Bigler and an RBI double by Eduardo Nunez to cut the lead to 10-5. The Chukars would load the bases again in the inning but scored no more runs in that frame. Best had a 1-2-3 9th before the Chukar comeback kicked into high gear. Jase Turner doubled home a run before Boudreaux singled him home, still with none out. Shawn Hayes followed with a 2-run pinch-hit double to cut the lead to 10-9 and Alvi Morel singled him home to tie the game. With 2 out and runners on first and second, Marc Maddox hit a walkoff single to complete the comeback. The Chukars are 19-13 and tied with Orem for first. Hunter was 2-4 for Great Falls with 2 HR (4) and 3 RBI (14) to move to .291 and 1B Vernon Carter was 4-5 with 3 doubles (12) and his 30th RBI to move to .350.

The Chukars and Sox play the rubber match Sunday afternoon. Everett Teaford gets the start. In other news, the team's site reports some bad news as Luis Castillo, one of the team's best hitters, looks to be out for the season with a shoulder injury.

Rookie - AZL: Royals 1, Giants 0 (7/G1)

LF Dyson 1-3, 2B -- .385
3B Taylor 0-2, BB, K, SB (4) -- .328
SS Juan 1-3, RBI, K, E (6) -- .227
CF D. Robinson 1-2, BB, CS -- .228
RF Van Stratten 0-3, K -- .241
1B S. Lucas 0-1, 2 HBP, SB (9), E (4) -- .349
DH Peralta 0-3, 2 K -- .297

A. Morales CG, 2 H, 4 K -- W, 4-3, 4.66 ERA, outstanding start

*** Royals starter Angelo Morales went the distance as the Royals took down the league-leading Giants. The game was a pitchers' duel as it went into the bottom of the 7th and final inning still tied at goose eggs. Two walks and a balk gave the Royals runners at second and third with 1 out and the balk resulted in the ejection of the Giants manager. Manny Juan singled to center to bring home the winning run. The Royals improved to 15-9. Giants SP Henry Sosa allowed only 2 hits and 2 walks with 6 K over 4 2/3 IP to move his ERA to 4.22. Giants 1B Rich Janeway was 1-3 to move to .333 and 3B Matt Downs was 0-2 to drop to .338.

Giants 7, Royals 3 (7/G2)

RF Van Stratten 2-3, 2B, RBI (14) -- .256
3B Taylor 1-2 -- .333
CF D. Robinson 0-4 -- .217
1B S. Lucas 0-3, K -- .337
DH Peralta 0-2, BB -- .289

Bass 3 IP, 4 R (3 ER), 6 H -- L, 0-1, 9.00 ERA

*** Brian Bass made his return to the box score after being suspended by the organization a couple months ago for undisclosed reasons. It didn't go well as he took the loss against the Giants. A throwing error helped the Giants score a run in the 1st and Bass gave up 3 runs in the 2nd to help put the Royals in an early hole. Nick Van Stratten singled home a run in the 4th to cut the lead to 4-1 but the Giants iced it with 3 runs off RP Angel Martinez in the 4th. Manny Juan drove in a run with a double-play ball in the 5th and the other Royals run scored in the 7th on a double steal. The Royals dropped to 15-10. Giants SS Sharlon Schoop was 1-3 with an RBI to move to .438 and C Matt Klimas was 0-3 to drop to .421.

The Royals took down the Athletics Sunday. More on that in the next report.

Royals on the Farm 7/21

AAA - Omaha: O-Royals 4, Round Rock 3

LF Costa 2-4, RS -- .381
RF Allen 1-4, RBI (63), RS -- .327
3B Aviles 2-3, RBI (31) -- .250
CF K. Robinson 1-4, CS (8) -- .296
C Tupman 1-3 -- .263
SS Blanco 0-3 -- .238
2B Cortez 1-4, RS -- .207

Keppel 4 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, BB, 2 K, HRA -- ND, 4.57 ERA
Nunez 3 IP, ER, 2 H, 2 BB, 2 K, HRA, pickoff -- W, 2-2, 1.80 ERA
Loux 2 IP, H, 2 K -- SV, 2, 6.43 ERA

*** Omaha was being shut out on 3 hits entering the 7th but broke out to get the narrow win. Bobby Keppel gave up a 2-run homer in the 2nd to give the Express a 2-0 lead but that was the only damage he allowed before being pulled after a 1-2-3 4th. Leo Nunez gave up a solo homer to the first batter he faced and Omaha was down, 3-0. Omaha's biggest threat entering the 7th had been 2 1-out singles in the 5th but a double-play ball by Rick Bell ended the inning. Three straight singles started the big 7th for Omaha as the third -- by Chad Allen -- drove home the Royals' first run. A walk loaded the bases before Mike Aviles singled home a run, Bell drove home a run with his second double-play ball and a wild pitch scored the go-ahead run to make it 4-3 Royals. RP Shane Loux came in for the 8th and gave up only a 2-out 9th-inning single to lock down the win. Omaha is 40-59. The Royals handed Round Rock SP Chris Sampson only his 2nd loss with 4 ER on 9 H and a walk with 0 K over 8 IP to drop him to 10-2 with a 2.62 ERA. Express RF Brian Gordon was 2-4 with 2 HR (9) and 3 RBI (38) to move to .215 and DH Joe McEwing was 0-4 to drop to .276. C Hector Gimenez was 2-4 to move to .277.

The teams face off for a doubleheader Saturday. Game 1 pitchers are Express all-star and top Astros prospect RH Jason Hirsh (10-2, 2.18) vs. RH Adam Bernero (2-2, 3.20). In other news, the Game 2 starter for Omaha is Andy Van Hekken, who KC signed and assigned to Omaha. He'll go up against the recently demoted Astros P Wandy Rodriguez. This from the Omaha World-Herald: "Left-handed pitcher Andy Van Hekken, 26, who pitched briefly in the majors for Detroit in 2002, is expected to join the Royals for today's doubleheader. Van Hekken was 3-6 with a 5.56 ERA for Somerset of the independent Atlantic League." Those numbers aren't too promising, but we'll see what he can do. With Reggie Sanders going on the DL, Shane Costa also got called back to KC after the game. Newest Royal Jeff Keppinger is also supposed to join the team Saturday. Justin Huber missed his 3rd straight game with his "tight hammy."

AA - Wichita: Wranglers 4, Springfield 2

3B Gordon 1-2, 2 BB, K, 3 RS, 2 SB (19) -- .300, 40-40 or 30-30 potential?
RF Butler 2-4, RBI (73), K -- .319
2B Murphy 2-3, 2 2B (21), BB, RS -- .241
DH D. Brown 2-4, RBI (41), K -- .276
CF Maier 1-4, CS -- .276
LF Lubanski 0-4, K -- .266
SS Sanchez 0-4, K -- .284
C Donachie 1-4, RBI, E (2) -- .208

Herndon 7 1/3 IP, 2 ER, 8 H, BB, 5 K -- W, 7-4, 4.34 ERA
Lowery IP, BB, 2 K -- SV, 1, 7.62 ERA

*** The Wranglers took an early lead and held on to win. A Cards fielding error scored Alex Gordon in the 1st but Junior Herndon gave up an RBI single in the 2nd to tie it at 1. An Adam Donachie RBI single put Wichita back in front in the 2nd and Dee Brown singled home a run in the 3rd to make it 3-1 Wranglers. Herndon allowed a run in the 4th to close the lead back to 1 and it stayed that way until the bottom of the 7th when Billy Butler singled home Gordon to make it 4-2. Herndon was pulled for Nate Hoelscher with 2 on and 1 out in the 8th and worked out of the slight jam before Devon Lowery came on with 1 on and 0 out in the 9th and closed it out. Wichita is 15-13 and a game up on first again. Springfield DH Amaury Marti was 1-2 with 2 RS to move to .348.

The teams match up for the series finale Saturday night. Billy Buckner pitches for Wichita.

High-A - High Desert: Stockton 7, Mavs 2

1B Stodolka 0-2, 2 BB -- .305
SS Falu 2-5, 2B (17), RS, E (12) -- .270
CF Valentin 2-4, SB (2) -- .295
C Duenas 2-4, 2 RBI (25) -- .268
LF Tomlin 0-4, K -- .295

Gragg 6 IP, 5 R (4 ER), 8 H, 3 BB, 3 K -- L, 6-4, 3.40 ERA, snapped 6-game win streak
Vacek 2 IP, 2 ER, 3 H, 2 BB, WP -- 9.00 ERA, High-A debut
Rowe IP, BB, K -- 4.87 ERA

*** John Gragg III got touched up in the 6th and the Ports took the series opener. Gragg had trouble early but was able to get out of jams until the 4th when he gave up 2 runs on 2 hits and an Irving Falu error. Tomas Duenas got the Mavs on the scoreboard with an RBI single in the 4th but Gragg gave up 3 runs on 5 hits in the 6th to make it 5-1. RP Chase Vacek made his High Desert debut in the 7th and allowed 2 ER on 2 hits, a walk and a wild pitch. Duenas singled home another run with 2 out in the 8th and the Mavs got 2 1-out singles in the 9th but couldn't score again to lose, 7-2. High Desert is 14-13. Ports 2B Eduardo Cornejo was 2-4 with an RBI to move to .397 and 3B Brian Snyder was 2-4 with a double and 3 RBI to move to .304. C Landon Powell was 1-4 with a RS to drop to .260.

The series continues Saturday night. Luis Cota pitches for HD.

Low-A - Burlington: Wisconsin 6, Bees 5

CF Duarte 2-5, 2 K, RS, OF assist at home -- .268
3B Lisson 2-4, K, RBI (48), SB (27) -- .251
SS O. Pena 1-3, BB, HR (1), 3 RBI (3), K, CS -- .125
2B Johnson 0-4, K, RS -- .263
C Everett 1-2, BB, SF, RBI (16), K, RS -- .255

Kniginyzky 3 2/3 IP, 3 ER, 5 H, 3 K, HRA, WP -- ND, 3.31 ERA
Oliveros 3 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 4 K, WP -- 3.24 ERA
Schambough 1 1/3 IP, ER, H, BB, 3 K, HRA -- L, 2-5, 2.37 ERA

*** The Bees took a 6th-inning lead but couldn't hold it as Wisconsin got a big hit in the top of the 9th. Matt Kniginyzky allowed a run on a wild pitch in the 1st but the Bees came back to score 2 in their half on a Mario Lisson RBI single and Brady Everett sac fly. Wisconsin took the lead in the 3rd on a 2-run homer and added a run in the 5th off RP Rayner Oliveros. Burlington regained the lead with 1 swing of the bat in the 6th as newest Bee Omar Pena hit a 1-out, 3-run homer for his 1st of the season and a 5-4 Bees lead. Oliveros and RP Chris Hayes combined to allow the Rattlers to rally for a 2-out tying run in the 7th and RP Kraig Schambough gave up a leadoff homer in the top of the 9th to give Wisconsin the lead. The Bees went down in order in their last gasp. Burlington is 12-16. Rattlers 1B Johan Limonta was 3-5 with a double and 2 HR (3) for 4 RBI (12) to move to .256 and SS Chris Minaker was 2-5 to move to .333.

The series continues Saturday night. Chris Nicoll pitches for the Bees.

Rookie - Idaho Falls: Great Falls 7, Chukars 6

CF Dickerson 3-4, BB, 2B (6), 2 RBI (16), K, 2 CS (4) -- .333
SS McConnell 2-5, 3B, 3 RBI (9), 2 K, RS, E (1) -- .500
LF Morel 1-3, 2 BB, 3B, RBI (19), K, 2 RS, SB (9) -- .299
2B Mertins 0-3, HBP, 2 K, E (5) -- .418
DH Maddox 0-3, HBP -- .286
C Morizio 0-4, K -- .333

Mozingo 2 1/3 IP, 4 ER, 6 H, 3 BB, 2 K, HRA -- ND, 8.85 ERA, yet to be overly impressive
Chambliss 4 2/3 IP, 3 R (2 ER), 4 H, BB, K, HRA, 2 WP, balk -- L, 0-2, 4.02 ERA

*** An Idaho Falls comeback wasn't to be Friday as the Chukars lost to the White Sox again. Harold Mozingo had a rough start as he gave up 3 runs on 4 hits and a walk, including a homer, in the 2nd. He left in the 3rd and was credited with another ER after Tyler Chambliss allowed a run on a wild pitch. The Chukars got back into the game with a 3-run 3rd as two 2-out walks were followed with a 2-run triple by Chris McConnell and a Joe Dickerson RBI single. Dickerson tied the game in the 5th with an RBI double but the Chukars coughed up the lead again in the 6th as a Chambliss balk and McConnell error helped lead to a run. Chambliss gave up 2 more runs in the 7th and GF had a 7-4 lead. Alvi Morel tripled home a run in the Chukar 7th but McConnell struck out to end the inning. The Chukars loaded the bases with 1 out in the 8th but Marc Maddox lined into a double play as Brenan Herrera was caught off third. McConnell hit a 2-out RBI single in the 9th to cut the lead to 1 but Herrera grounded out to end the game. Idaho Falls is 18-13 and tied for first. White Sox RF Christian Marrero was 3-3 with a double, his 2nd homer and 9th RBI to move to .272, CF Archie Gilbert was 2-4 with a double and RBI to move to .388 and C Kris Welker was 2-3 with his 1st homer and 2 RBI to move to .500.

The teams play again Saturday night. No announced starters.

Rookie - AZL: off day

*** The Royals were set for a twinbill against the Giants Saturday and earned a split. More on that in the next report.