Royals on the Farm 7/30

AAA -- Omaha: O-Royals 9, Colorado Springs 5

1B Shealy 1-4, BB, GS (2), 4 RBI (6), RS -- .213
DH Huber 2-4, SF, 2 RBI (44), RS -- .272
SS Aviles 2-4, BB, RBI (63), RS -- .312
LF Lubanski 2-3, BB, K, 2 RS -- .203
CF Gathright 1-4, SF, RBI (25), picked off -- .341
C Tupman 1-5, 2B (13), RBI (24), K -- .294
RF Costa 0-4, BB, K, 2 RS -- .366

Hoelscher 5 IP, 2 ER, 3 H, 3 K -- W, 4-1, 4.74 ERA
Ray IP, 3 ER, 2 H, BB, 2 K -- 4.11 ERA
Braun 3 IP, H, BB, 5 K -- SV, 9, 1.09 ERA

A 6-run 3rd was all Omaha needed to get the win and ensure at least a split of the series with the Sky Sox. Colorado Springs took the lead with 2 runs on 3 hits off Nate Hoelscher in the 2nd but Omaha tripled that output with 6 in the 3rd on a Joey Gathright sac fly, Ryan Shealy grand slam for his 2nd homer at Omaha and a Matt Tupman RBI double. Mike Aviles hit an RBI ground out in the 3rd to make it 7-2 and Justin Huber singled in a run in the 7th to make it 8-2. Ken Ray gave up 2 runs on 2 doubles and a walk to start the 7th and Ryan Braun came in and allowed an RBI single before escaping the inning with an 8-5 lead. Huber hit a sac fly off Denny Bautista in the 9th and Braun pitched a perfect 9th for his 9th save. Sky Sox 2B Jayson Nix was 1-4 with his 23rd double and 3 RBI (36) to move to .278 and SP Jorge De Paula took the loss with 3 1/3 IP of 7 ER on 10 hits and 2 walks to drop to 8-6 with a 6.41 ERA.

Omaha is 54-56 and 12 1/2 games back. The series wraps tonight. Probable starters: Omaha RH Luke Hochevar (1-1, 3.94) vs. former Royals and now Sky Sox RH Bobby Keppel (6-7, 6.30).

AA -- Wichita: off day

The Wranglers start a 3-gamer at the Tulsa Drillers (15-20, AA Rockies) tonight. The team site wasn't cooperating so no info on probable starters. Wichita is 5-13 versus Tulsa.

A-Adv. -- Wilmington: Blue Rocks 6, Potomac 3

RF McFall 2-5, 2 HR (10), 3 RBI (50), 2 K, 2 RS, OF assist at home -- .256, scorching hot hitter
C Clark 4-5, 3 RS -- .255
DH Cleveland 1-4, SF, 2 RBI (3) -- .218
CF Duarte 2-4, S, RBI (28) -- .279
SS Lisson 1-5, K, SB (17) -- .261
*The Rocks stranded 11.

Penn 4 IP, 3 ER, 9 H, 3 K -- 4.04 ERA
B. Johnson 2 1/3 IP, 2 H -- 3.96 ERA, back from DL
Humen 1 2/3 IP, 2 K -- W, 2-4, 2.91 ERA
Oliveros IP, H, BB, 2 K -- SV, 4, 3.04 ERA

Brian McFall had another big day on the day he was named the league player of the week and the Rocks gained a game on 2nd-place Potomac with the win. Starter Michael Penn allowed a run on 2 singles and a sac fly in the 2nd and, after the Rocks stranded 2 in the 3rd, allowed a run that inning on 3 hits, although McFall staved off a third run with an OF assist at the plate. Penn stranded 2 in the inning and the Rocks tied it in the 4th on a McFall solo homer for his 9th of the season and a Jeremy Cleveland sac fly. Penn couldn't hold the line as the Nats scored a run on 3 hits in the 4th and the Rocks stranded 2 in the 5th. Jose Duarte tied the game with an RBI single in the 6th and the Rocks took the lead in the 8th with a run on a Cleveland RBI single. Relievers Blake Johnson and David Humen held the Nats in check until the 9th and McFall cranked a 2-run homer in the top of the 9th for his 10th of the season and 2nd of the game. Rayner Oliveros stranded 2 in the 9th for his 4th save. Nats 1B Brett McMillan was 2-3 with his 22nd RBI to move to .216 and RP Jack Spradlin took the loss with 1/3 IP of an ER on 3 hits to drop to 3-6 with a 4.04 ERA.

Wilmington is 23-14 and 4 games up on first. The series goes to game 2 tonight. Probable starters: Rocks righty Julio Pimentel (7-4, 2.80) vs. Potomac right-hander Marco Estrada (1-1, 6.66). McFall was named Carolina League Player of the Week for July 23 to 29 after hitting .417 with 3 2B, 1 HR, 12 RBI and slugging .677 on the week. IF Jeremy Jirschele was put on the DL with a hamstring problem.

A -- Burlington: Bees 4, Kane County 1

SS Bianchi 3-4, 2B (16), RBI (25), RS -- .220, wish we'd see more days like this
LF Dickerson 2-4, 2B (21), 2 RBI (39), K -- .301
1B Turner 1-3, BB, HR (8), RBI (21), RS -- .207
CF Robinson 1-3, BB, 2 RS, SB (24) -- .244
RF Walton 1-2, 2 BB, 2B (5) -- .315, season-high 19 game hit streak in MWL

Santiago 7 IP, ER, 2 H, BB, 2 K -- W, 3-7, 3.17 ERA
Cribb 2 IP, H, K -- SV, 3, 6.32 ERA

Starter Mario Santiago pitched a good game and the Bees got the job done on offense to snap a short losing streak. Santiago gave up the Cougars' only run in the 1st on a walk and hit and then allowed only 1 hit over the next 6 innings. Jeff Bianchi and Joe Dickerson hit back-to-back doubles in the 1st to tie the game and the Bees took the lead in the 3rd with a Bianchi RBI single. Jase Turner led off the Bees 7th with his 8th homer and Dickerson cracked an RBI single to make it 4-1. Santiago retired 10 in a row before handing the ball to Josh Cribb in the 8th. Cribb retired 6 of 7 for his 3rd save. Cougars CF Jermaine Mitchell was 2-4 to move to .285 and SP Scott Deal took the loss with 6 1/3 IP of 4 ER on 7 hits, 3 walks and 4 Ks to drop to 5-9 with a 4.63 ERA.

Burlington is 18-18 and 5 games back. Game 2 is tonight. Probable starters: Bees RH Daniel Gutierrez debuts versus Kane County LH James Heuser (7-6, 4.32).

Rookie -- Idaho Falls: Chukars 5, Ogden 3

3B Van De Keere 1-4, HR (3), 2 RBI (21), K, RS -- .290
1B Seratelli 2-3, 2B (9), SB (17), RS -- .345
C Balduf 1-3, RBI (9), K, SB (1) -- .321
SS Juan 0-3, SF, RBI (17) -- .203
CF Ortiz 1-3, S, 2B (4), RS -- .312
DH Robinson 1-3, 3B (1), RS -- .338

Chavez 5 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 4 K, HRA, pickoff, WP -- 3.18 ERA
Secott 3 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 2 K -- W, 2-0, 0.96 ERA
Cassa IP, ER, H, 2 K, HRA -- SV, 1, 5.06 ERA

A 3-run 6th was the key for IF in starting the second half on the right foot. Todd Balduf singled in a run in the 2nd to get the Chukars the lead but starter Chris Chavez gave up a solo homer in the 3rd to tie the game. Manni Juan reclaimed the lead for Idaho Falls with a sac fly in the 3rd but Chavez allowed the tying run to score in the 5th on 2 walks, a single and a wild pitch. Devery Van De Keere had the big hit in the 6th with a 1-out, 2-run inside-the-park homer for his 3rd pro homer. Clint Robinson tripled and scored on a wild pitch in the inning to make it 5-2. Pat Cassa served up a solo homer in the 9th but shut the door for his 1st save. Ogden RF Travis Vetters was 2-3 with his 5th homer and 2 RBI (15) to move to .308 and starter Robert Blevins took the loss with 6 IP of 5 ER on 7 hits and 6 Ks to drop to 2-1 with a 4.66 ERA.

IF is 1-0. Game 2 is tonight and no starters have been announced on the team site.

Rookie -- Burlington: Kingsport 5, B-Royals 3 (day game)

RF Tucker 2-4, K, RS, E (3), OF assist at first -- .284
LF Lough 2-4, BB, 2B (5), SB (3) -- .339
1B Amyx 1-4, 2B (6), RBI (18), RS -- .247
3B Jimenez 1-4, RBI (15) -- .218
CF Norris 1-2, K, OF assist at third -- .294
DH Lane 0-1, BB, 2 HBP, RS -- .305

Bernat 4 IP, 4 R (2 ER), 5 H, 3 BB, 5 K, 2 HRA -- L, 4-2, 2.32 ERA
J. Diaz 4 IP, ER, 4 H, BB, 2 K, HRA -- 7.47 ERA
Gjeldum IP, nothing -- 4.58 ERA

By the time the Royals generated any offense they didn't have enough to overcome a Mets lead and split the series with Kingsport. A passed ball kept the 1st inning alive for the Mets and they scored 2 runs on a double, walk and Wilson Tucker error, although Tucker recovered to nail a runner on the basepaths to end the inning. Starter David Bernat gave up a solo homer in the 2nd and the Royals left the bases loaded in the 3rd. Bernat gave up a leadoff homer in the 4th to make it 4-0 and P Jose Diaz did the same in the 5th to make it 5-0 Mets. Brett Amyx got Burlington on the board with an RBI double in the 6th before Antonio Jimenez added an RBI ground out and Amyx scored on an error to cut it to 5-3. The Royals stranded 2 in the 7th and went down in order in the 8th and 9th as RP Jose Bierd picked up his 1st save for the Mets. Kingsport SS Michael Parker was 2-3 with his 2nd homer and 8th RBI to move to .296 and P Jorge Rodriguez got the win with 3 IP of 3 runs (2 ER) on 3 hits and a walk to move to 3-2 with a 2.79 ERA.

B-Royals 6, Danville 2 (night game)

2B Molina 1-3, HR (1), 2 RBI (3), K, RS -- .192
CF Lough 1-4, HR (2), 2 RBI (9), 2 K, RS -- .333
DH A. Perez 2-4, K, 2 RS -- .273
RF Tucker 1-4, K, RS -- .283
1B Lane 0-3, HBP, 2 K, E (2) -- .296

Paukovits 4 1/3 IP, ER, 2 H, BB, 5 K, HRA, WP -- 4.70 ERA
Woods 4 1/3 IP, UER, 2 H, BB, 2 K -- W, 1-0, 2.05 ERA
Belanger 1/3 IP, K -- 0.00 ERA

The Royals ran into Braves starter Jeff Locke again but broke up a perfecto in a big way in the 6th to get the win. Starter Bryan Paukovits allowed a solo homer in the 3rd to account for the only scoring until the 6th, when Locke walked the leadoff batter for the Royals to snap a perfect game bid but left with 1 out and 1 on for RP Jaye Chapman. The Royals wasted no time cashing in on the change as Yeldrys Molina hit a 2-run homer for his 1st of the season to grab a 2-1 lead. A Braves error later in the inning scored 2 runs to make it 4-1 Royals. David Lough added a 2-run homer in the 8th for his 2nd pro longball and the Royals took a 6-1 lead. RP Ryan Woods allowed a run in the 9th on a hit and error before Ryan Belanger got the final out to end it. Braves CF Carlos Lee was 1-3 with his 2nd homer and 11th RBI to move to .279, Locke ended up with an ER on a walk and 10 Ks over 5 IP to drop his ERA to 3.41 and Chapman blew his 1st save and took the loss with 2 IP of 3 runs (1 ER) on 3 hits and 4 Ks to drop to 0-1 with a 1.23 ERA.

The Royals are 22-16 and 4 games back. They start a 2-game set at the Bristol Sox (15-24, White) tonight. They are 4-0 versus the Sox. No announced starters on the team site.

Rookie -- AZL: Angels 5, Royals 1

CF Richardson 1-4, RBI (11) -- .219
LF Craze 3-4, RS, SB (4) -- .282
RF Pennell 1-5, K -- .321
1B Wood 1-5 -- .352
3B F. Cruz 1-3, BB, 2 K, E (10) -- .221
* The Royals stranded 12.

Duffy 4 IP, 2 R (1 ER), 2 H, 2 BB, 4 K -- L, 1-1, 0.66 ERA
Lehmann 4 IP, 3 ER, 5 H, 3 K, HRA -- 4.68 ERA
Jorge IP, K -- 36.00 ERA

The Royals outhit the Angels but couldn't get hits when they needed them to drop their first game of the second half. Starter Dan Duffy allowed a run in the 3rd on a walk and single and the Angels scored again in the 4th on a hit batsman, error, walk and sac fly. Mike Lehmann came in to pitch the 4th and served up a triple, RBI single and 2-run homer to make it 5-0 Angels. Hilton Richardson drove in the Royals' only run with a single in the 5th but the Royals stranded 2 that inning, watched Diego Cruz get caught stealing home to end the 6th, stranded 2 in the 8th and left the bases loaded in the 9th. Angels 1B Seth Loman was 2-4 with his 5th homer and 2 RBI (17) to move to .266 and SP Robin Molina got the win with 6 IP of an ER on 7 hits, 3 walks and 3 Ks to move to 3-2 with a 3.76 ERA.

The Royals are 3-1 and tied for first. They have today off.

Royals on the Farm 7/29

AAA -- Omaha: O-Royals 9, Colorado Springs 0 (4-hitter)

DH Costa 4-5, 2B (14), RS -- .375
LF Huber 2-5, HR (9), 2 RBI (42), 2 RS -- .267
SS Aviles 1-5, 2 RBI (62) -- .310
3B Lewis 3-4, RBI (29), CS -- .236
2B Wathan 2-4, RBI (15), 2 RS -- .269
CF Gathright 2-4, BB, RBI (24), SB (25), 2 RS -- .342
RF Maier 1-5, 2B (22), RS -- .294
1B Shealy 0-5 -- .209

Hendrickson 7 IP, 4 H, 3 BB, 2 K -- W, 9-5, 5.49 ERA, second straight good outing
Giron 2 IP, BB, 4 K -- 4.24 ERA

Ben Hendrickson split the Sky Sox's 4 hits between 2 innings and, with the help of Roberto Giron, shut Colorado Springs out. Omaha took a 4-0 lead in the 2nd as Shane Costa scored on an error and Derek Wathan, Richie Lewis and Joey Gathright hit RBI singles. Hendrickson gave up 2 hits to put runners at the corners with none out in the 2nd but got a liner double play and pop out to escape the jam. Omaha took advantage of a Sky Sox error in the 4th to score 2 runs and, after Hendrickson stranded 2 on walks in the 4th, the O-Royals scored 2 in the 6th on a 2-run single by Mike Aviles to make it 8-0. Justin Huber finished off the scoring with his 9th homer for a solo shot in the 7th. Hendrickson gave up the other 2 Sky Sox hits in the 7th but, again, stranded 2. Roberto Giron allowed a walk in 2 innings pitched to close out the shutout. Colorado Springs 1B Doug Bernier was 2-2 with 2 walks to move to .318 and SP Kevin Walker took the loss with 4 IP of 6 runs (3 ER) on 9 hits to drop to 4-4 with a 5.40 ERA.

Omaha is 53-56. Omaha won game 3 today behind SP Nate Hoelscher, who was making a spot start. The O-Royals will have a silent auction for the Mike Coolbaugh Memorial Fund the weekend of Aug. 17 to 19. He finished up his playing career last year with Omaha. I assume P Jason Shiell will be back in Omaha after getting his contract picked up by KC then being designated for assignment without taking the mound.

AA -- Wichita: Wranglers 1, Springfield 0 (6/finished early - rain)

C Donachie 1-2, HR (7), RBI (27), K, RS -- .201
CF Greenberg 1-2, BB, OF assist at home -- .264
RF Valentin 0-3 -- .297
LF Stodolka 0-1, BB -- .297
DH Padilla 0-1, BB, K -- .361

Christensen 6 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 6 K -- W, 3-11, 5.73 ERA, best start in while out of Dan

Dan Christensen and P.J. Walters were locked in a pitchers' duel and rain helped Christensen get the win and a 3-hit shutout to split the series with the Cards. The Wranglers loaded the bases in the 1st but Kila Kaaihue flew into a double play as Adam Greenberg was nailed at the plate to end the inning. Adam Donachie hit his 7th homer with 2 out in the 2nd to give Wichita the lead. Christensen was perfect through 3 IP and had a no-no through 4 2/3 IP after stranding 2 in the 4th on walks. The Cards got 2 singles to start the 6th and Greenberg turned the tables by throwing out a runner at the plate as Christensen averted the threat. The skies opened up with 2 out in the bottom of the 6th when the game was called. Wichita RF Sean Danielson was 1-2 with his 12th SB and the OF assist to nail Greenberg to move to .299 and Walters took the tough loss with 5 2/3 IP of an ER on 2 hits, 3 walks and 4 Ks to drop to 0-2 with a 4.09 ERA.

Wichita is 14-22 and 7 games back. They have today off before starting a road trip.

A-Adv. -- Wilmington: Kinston 2, Blue Rocks 0 (4-hitter)

CF Duarte 0-4 -- .277
3B Lisson 0-4, K -- .261
SS McConnell 1-3 -- .248

Hardy 8 IP, ER, 6 H, 5 K, HRA -- L, 13-3, 2.22 ERA, tough loss, all 3 Ls versus the Tribe
Haltiwanger IP, ER, H, BB, K, WP -- 3.74 ERA

The Rocks didn't have a hit after the 3rd as Kinston SP James Deters and two relievers shut Wilmington down and out as Rowdy Hardy took his 3rd loss. Hardy allowed his only run on a homer by C Armando Camacaro for his 4th of the season and the series in the 3rd. Three singles to start the 3rd loaded the bases for Wilmington but Kiel Thibault was thrown out at home on a fly out double play and Marc Maddox struck out to end the inning. Deters retired 14 in a row before handing the ball to the pen in the 8th. Hardy didn't really cruise but was never really in trouble either and Russ Haltiwanger gave up an insurance run in the 9th. RP Scott Roehl pitched a perfect 9th for his 18th save. Rocks 1B Matt Whitney was 2-4 with his 6th double to move to .305 and Deters got the win with 7 IP of 4 hits and 6 Ks to improve to 7-3 with a 2.21 ERA.

Wilmington is 22-14 and 3 games up on first. A 3-game set at the Potomac Nationals (19-17) starts tonight. The Rocks are 7-3 versus the Nats. Starters: Rocks right-hander Michael Penn (2-1, 3.76) vs. Potomac righty Craig Stammen (7-6, 4.57). P Blake Johnson has been activated from the DL.

A -- Burlington: Quad Cities 3, Bees 0

CF Robinson 1-4, K -- .243
LF Dickerson 1-4 -- .298
DH Everett 1-4 -- .297
RF Walton 1-4, K -- .310, 18-game hit streak ties MWL's longest streak this season

Godin 7 IP, 3 ER, 8 H, 2 BB, 4 K, WP -- L, 4-2, 2.37 ERA
Hayes and Wladyka 2 scoreless IP

Three Swing pitchers continued the shutout trend among Royals' minor league games Sunday. The Bees stranded 2 in the 2nd and starter Jason Godin allowed a Swing run on 2 hits in the 3rd. The Swing pushed across 2 more runs on 3 hits, a walk and wild pitch off Godin in the 5th. Derrick Robinson hit a 2-out single in the 5th and Jeff Howell got thrown out at the plate to kill the Bees' best chance at scoring. The Swing pen retired 9 of 10 Bees to polish off the shutout as RP Kenneth Maiques picked up save #24. Swing CF Antonio DeJesus was 2-3 with his 9th RBI to move to .340 and starter Tyler Herron got the win with 6 IP of 6 hits and 4 Ks to improve to 9-5 with a 3.50 ERA.

Burlington is 17-18 and 5 games back. The Bees start a split 4-game home-and-home set with the Kane County Cougars (15-19, A A's) tonight. Bees RH Mario Santiago (1-2, 5.61) will start the opener. The Bees are 9-3 vs. the Cougs. The Bees' pitcher woes continued as Matt Campbell and Aaron Hartsock were put on the DL. It marks Campbell's second trip this season as his surgically repaired shoulder flared up again. Hartsock has a strained neck, so at least it's not an arm problem. Pitchers George Biddle and Dan Gutierrez were called up from the rookie leagues.

Rookie -- Idaho Falls: Orem 5, Chukars 2

SS Evangelho 2-4, CS -- .344
1B Robinson 1-4, 2B (10), RBI (32), K, E (5) -- .338
RF Gonzalez 1-3, BB, 3B (2), RBI (21), K, RS -- .319
3B Van De Keere 1-4, BB, 2B (11), 3 K, RS -- .291
CF Ortiz 1-5, K -- .311
DH Seratelli 1-5, K, SB (16) -- .338
*IF stranded 10.

Norton 3 2/3 IP, 3 ER, 4 H, 3 BB, 7 K, WP -- L, 1-3, 3.03 ERA
Phillips 3 1/3 IP, 2 H, BB, K, WP -- 2.89 ERA
Cassa IP, ER, H, 2 K, HRA -- 4.80 ERA
Holland IP, ER, 2 H, K, balk -- 2.00 ERA

Orem scored 4 unanswered runs to take the finale with IF. The Chukars left the bases loaded in the 2nd and Orem scored first on a bases-loaded hit batsman by SP Ben Norton in the 3rd. Idaho Falls scored 2 in the 3rd on an O.D. Gonzalez RBI triple and a Clint Robinson RBI ground out. Justin Phillips came in with 2 on and 2 out in the 4th and gave up a 2-run double to make it 3-2 Orem. Idaho Falls stranded the bases full in the 5th, Pat Cassa allowed a homer to the first batter he faced in the 8th and Greg Holland allowed a run in the 9th as the Chukar offense sputtered. Orem RP Christopher Armstrong picked up his 1st save with a 4 1/3 IP outing. Owlz SS Andrew Romine was 1-3 with his 6th SB, 1st double and 2 RBI (20) to move to .357 and RP Jordan Towns got the win with 2 2/3 IP of 2 ER on 4 hits, a walk and 3 Ks to move to 2-3 with a 3.54 ERA.

IF finished the first half 23-15 to take the PL South title for the half. The second half starts with a 3-game home set with the Ogden Raptors (17-20 in first half, Rookie Dodgers) tonight. No announced starters on the team site. IF was 4-2 versus Ogden in the first half.

Rookie -- Burlington: B-Royals 8, Kingsport 2

RF Tucker 2-4, 2B (9), RBI (24) -- .277
2B A. Perez 1-3, 2 BB, HR (2), 2 RBI (14), 2 RS -- .277
DH Amyx 1-3, BB, RBI (17) -- .247
1B Lane 0-3, 2 BB, RBI (25), K, 3 RS -- .308
LF Norris 0-5, 4 K -- .290
CF Lough 1-4, BB, K, RS, SB (2) -- .327

Paulino 6 IP, UER, 2 H, BB, 6 K -- W, 3-1, 3.46 ERA
Lopez 3 IP, ER, 3 H, 2 BB, 5 K -- SV, 1, 5.09 ERA

A 4-run 7th secured the victory for Burlington. Brett Amyx hit an RBI ground out in the 2nd and Wilson Tucker hit an RBI double in the 4th to make it 2-0 Royals. Starter Eduardo Paulino gave up a run in the 5th but Alwin Perez hit a 2-out, 2-run homer in the bottom of the 5th for his 2nd of the season to make it 4-1 Burlington. Yensi Lopez allowed a run in the 7th but the Royals put it away with a 4-run inning on a bases-loaded walk by Jake Lane, a 2-run Mets error on a ball hit by Tucker and a wild pitch that scored Lane to make it 8-2. Lopez stranded 1 in the 9th to pick up the 3-inning save. Kingsport LF Jeremy Hambrice was 2-3 with his 3rd double and 4th SB to move to .187 and SP Pedro P. Martinez took the loss with 6 IP of 4 runs (3 ER) on 5 hits, 2 walks and 5 Ks to drop to 2-1 with a 4.05 ERA.

Burlington is 21-16 and 5 games back of first. The Royals were set for a unique day-night doubleheader today with the finale with the Mets in the morning and a game against the Danville Braves (25-10) tonight. The Mets took the day game.

Rookie -- AZL: Royals 5, Mariners 4 (17)

CF Richardson 2-5, HR (3), 2 RBI (10), K, RS, picked off -- .218
2B Donovan 2-7, BB, RBI (14), K, RS -- .308
PH-LF Angel 1-2, S, BB, 2B (7), RBI (11) -- .222
DH Wood 3-6, 2B (13), K, RS -- .359, ejected in 14th
1B D. Cruz 3-7, BB, 2 K -- .288
LF Pennell 1-5, 2 BB, HBP, 2 K, RS, CS -- .329
3B F. Cruz 1-7, BB, K, E (9) -- .218
*The Royals stranded 20 (!).

Mitchell 4 IP, 2 R (1 ER), 5 H, 2 BB, 4 K, WP -- 2.30 ERA
Farinas 4 IP, ER, 3 H, 2 BB, K, WP -- 2.79 ERA
Rada 2 1/3 IP, 2 H, 3 K -- 3.86 ERA
Van Slyke 2 2/3 IP, UER, 3 H, 6 K, E (1) -- 0.66 ERA
Santerre 3 IP, 3 K -- 3.38 ERA
Mieles IP, H, 2 K -- W, 1-0, 6.52 ERA

The Royals fended off the M's in the 13th and then won it in 17. Royals SP Matt Mitchell allowed 2 runs on 3 hits and a Salvador Perez error in the 1st and stranded 2 in both the 2nd and 3rd. Hilton Richardson tied the game with a 2-run homer in the 3rd for his 3rd pro shot and Dennis Donovan singled in a run in the 4th to make it 3-2 Royals. The Royals stranded 2 in the 6th and P Williams Farinas allowed the tying run to score in the 7th on a wild pitch before stranding 2 Mariners. Lifete Jose got thrown out at third to end the Royals 10th and RP Eric Van Slyke stranded 2 in the 11th. The Royals left 2 in scoring position in the 12th and the Mariners took the lead with a run on 2 hits and a Van Slyke error in the 13th. With 1 on and none out in the bottom of the 13th, David Wood singled and Vinny Pennell scored on 2 errors by M's CF Dan Carroll. Wood was thrown out at home to end the inning and was ejected after arguing the call. The Royals left 2 in scoring position again in the 14th and left the bases full in the 16th. RP Gregory Moviel came in to pitch the 17th for the M's and walked 4 straight to end the game. Ryan Angel drew the winning walk. Carroll was 3-8 with 2 E (5) and 3 OF assists to move to .355 and Moviel took the loss to drop to 0-2 with a 22.50 ERA. The Mariners had 14 hits -- all singles.

The Royals are 3-0 and 1/2 a game up on first. They played the 1-1 Angels tonight.

Royals on the Farm 7/28

AAA -- Omaha: Colorado Springs 4, O-Royals 1

1B Huber 2-4, RBI (40), E (2) -- .263
C Tupman 2-3, BB, CS -- .296
CF Maier 0-4 -- .295
SS Aviles 0-4, K -- .311
RF Costa 0-3, BB, RS -- .361
DH Shealy 0-3, HBP, K -- .237
LF Lubanski 0-2, BB, E (1) -- .184

Buckner 6 IP, 4 R (3 ER), 5 H, BB, 4 K, HRA, 3 WP -- L, 7-6, 4.48 ERA
Ray 2 IP, 2 H, BB, K -- 3.70 ERA

Billy Buckner had a bumpy outing and Omaha couldn't get any offense going as the Sky Sox won the opener. Buckner gave up a triple and 2 doubles in the 1st as the Sky Sox scored twice and stranded 2 in scoring position. Omaha stranded 2 in the 2nd and was being shut out on 3 hits by SP Jason Hirsh through 5. The Sky Sox generated a run without a hit in the 5th thanks in part to one of Buckner's 3 wild pitches and a Justin Huber error. Buckner allowed another run in the 6th to make it 4-0. Omaha stranded 2 again in the 7th and scored its only run in the 9th off ol' buddy Denny Bautista (even tho the run wasn't credited to him) on a Huber RBI single. Justin Speier got the last 2 outs for his 27th save for C. Springs. Sky Sox C Edwin Bellorin was 3-4 with his 16th double, 9th homer (inside-the-park variety) and 2 RBI (43) to move to .325 and Hirsh got the win with 6 1/3 IP of 4 hits, 3 walks and 3 Ks to improve to 1-2 with a 4.85 ERA. Six in the Sky Sox lineup were hitting .300 or better.

Omaha is 52-56. Game 2 of the set is this afternoon. Probable starters: Royals RH Ben Hendrickson (8-5, 5.92) vs. Sky Sox LH Kevin Walker (4-3, 5.28). Leo Nunez was set to get the call to start for KC today.

AA -- Wichita: Wranglers 9, Springfield 8

LF Padilla 4-5, 3B (1), HR (5), RBI (32), K, 2 RS -- .364
3B Nettles 1-3, BB, HR (5), 3 RBI (19), K, RS, E (5) -- .231
DH Kaaihue 1-3, BB, 3 RBI (17), RS -- .236
1B Stodolka 2-4, BB, HR (11), RBI (45), K, 3 RS -- .298
SS Falu 2-4, K, E (19) -- .253
RF Valentin 2-5, RS -- .300

Rosa 3 IP, 3 ER, 3 H, 3 BB, 3 K -- 5.38 ERA, rough outing in 3s
Connolly 2 IP, 2 H, BB -- 5.29 ERA
Bausher 1 1/3 IP, 2 ER, H, BB -- 8.83 ERA
Plummer 2 2/3 IP, 2 R (1 ER), 4 H, 4 K, HRA -- BS, 4, W, 4-4, 3.03 ERA

A wild game ended with both teams scoring in the 9th as Wichita pulled out the narrow win. The Cardinals started the scoring with a 3-run 2nd off Carlos Rosa on 2 hits and 2 walks. Jorge Padilla led off the Wranglers 2nd with a triple and Kila Kaaihue drove him in with a ground out to cut it to 3-1. Mike Stodolka clubbed his 11th homer of the season in the 3rd to cut the lead to 1. The Wranglers stranded 2 in the 4th but surged ahead in the 5th with 3 runs on a 2-out, 3-run homer by Jeff Nettles for his 5th for the Wranglers to make it 5-3 Wichita. RP Tim Bausher pitched a perfect 6th but ran into trouble in the 7th and left with 2 on and 1 out. Jarod Plummer got the 2nd out of the inning but then gave up a 3-run homer to DH Juan Richardson to give the Cardinals a 6-5 lead. The Cardinals' bullpen took over in the 7th and Wichita regained the lead with 2 runs on a Kaaihue 2-run single. The Wranglers stranded 2 in the inning. Onil Joseph led off the 8th with a triple but was picked off to squander a scoring chance. An Irving Falu error helped the Cardinals tie the game in the 9th. The tie didn't last long, though, as Padilla led off the Wichita 9th with his 5th homer for a walk-off shot. Richardson was 2-4 for the Cardinals with his 16th homer and 3 RBI (72) to move to .295 and RP Jason Motte got the loss on an ER without getting an out to drop to 3-2 with a 1.93 ERA.

Wichita is 13-22 and 8 games back. The series ends today. Probable starters: Springfield righty P.J. Daniels (0-1, 6.75) vs. Wichita lefty Dan Christensen (2-11, 6.07).

A-Adv. -- Wilmington: Kinston 4, Blue Rocks 0 (end of Friday's game, 1-hitter)

3B Lisson 1-2, 2 BB, 2B (21), K, SB (16) -- .265
CF Duarte 0-3, BB, K, SB (8) -- .277
2B Maddox 0-3, BB, K -- .264
SS McConnell 0-3, K -- .250

Chambliss 3 1/3 IP, 2 ER, 2 H, 2 K -- L, 3-2, 4.94 ERA
Green 4 2/3 IP, 2 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 3 K, HRA -- 4.21 ERA
Barnes IP, K -- 3.51 ERA

When play resumed in the 4th, Kinston broke a scoreless tie quickly and the Rocks almost got no-hit by a set of 3 Kinston pitchers. The Rocks stranded 2 batters who had walked in the 1st and play was suspended with 2 on and 1 out in the Kinston 4th. Patrick Green came on to pitch when play resumed Saturday and gave up 3 straight singles to score 3 runs before getting the final 2 outs in the inning. Green gave up a solo homer in the 5th to make it 4-0 Indians. Wilmington's only hit came on a Mario Lisson double in the 4th. Walks and a HBP helped the Rocks have base runners in later innings but no hits helped mean no runs. Kinston RF Nathan Panther was 2-3 with his 10th homer, 28th RBI and 2 RS to move to .285, P Ryan Edell got the win with 3 IP of a hit, walk and 5 Ks to move to 10-5 with a 3.17 ERA and RP Matt Meyer picked up his 3rd save.

Blue Rocks 3, Kinston 1 (7/reg. Saturday game)

CF Duarte 2-3, 2B (17), 3B (5), 2 RBI (27), RS -- .280, only 2 hits for Rocks Saturday
1B McCann 0-2, SF, RBI (15), K -- .220
3B Maddox 0-3 -- .261
SS McConnell 0-2 -- .245

Cortes 6 IP, ER, 6 H, 3 BB, 6 K, 2 WP -- W, 3-8, 4.28 ERA
Santos IP, H, WP -- SV, 5, 3.60 ERA

The Blue Rocks were economical in turning 2 hits and a Kinston error into 3 runs and a win Saturday. Jose Duarte led off the Rocks 1st with a double and Brad McCann hit a sac fly to make it 1-0. Starter Dan Cortes stranded 2 in the 2nd and the Tribe started the Wilmington 2nd with an error that later brought in a run on a 2-out, 2-run triple by Duarte to make it 3-0. Cortes stranded 2 more in the 5th but gave up a run on 3 hits and a wild pitch in the 6th. Arthur Santos came on to close it out in the 7th in the truncated game and gave up a 2-out single, steal and wild pitch before getting a fly out to end it for his 5th save. Kinston DH John Drennen was 1-3 with his 58th RBI to move to .245 and SP Frank Herrmann went the distance but took the loss with 6 IP of 3 runs (1 ER) on 2 hits, a walk and 4 Ks to drop to 7-5 with a 3.92 ERA.

Wilmington is 22-13 and 3 games up on first. The Rocks go for the split today. Starters: Rocks southpaw Rowdy Hardy (13-2, 2.28) vs. Kinston righty Jim Deters (6-3, 2.43).

A -- Burlington: Quad Cities 6, Bees 4

CF Dickerson 2-5, RS, 2 SB (21) -- .299
LF Walton 1-4, 2 RBI (12), K -- .313, 17-game hit streak
DH Everett 1-3, BB, 2B (24), RBI (38), RS -- .298
2B Mertins 1-2, 3 BB, 2 RS, 3 SB (24) -- .264
SS Bianchi 0-5, 2 K -- .212
1B Castillo 1-3, BB, 2B (5) -- .262

Teaford 6 IP, 3 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 2 K -- 5.49 ERA
Cegarra 3 IP, 3 R (2 ER), 4 H, BB, K, HRA -- BS, 1, L, 1-3, 3.72 ERA

The Bees lost a narrow lead in the 8th and the Swing won a 3rd straight in the series. The Swing scored 2 runs on 3 hits and a walk in the 1st off SP Everett Teaford but got a run back in the bottom of the inning on a Brady Everett RBI ground out to the cut the lead in half. The Bees took the lead with a 3-run 3rd on a 2-run Jamar Walton single and a bases loaded HBP by Jesus Soto to make it 4-2 Burlington. The Swing cut the lead to 1 with a run in the 5th off Teaford and Ed Cegarra took over in the 7th with a 4-3 lead. Cegarra lost the lead in the 8th on a solo homer by Swing C Steve Hill and a Soto error helped lead to another run in the inning to make it 5-4 QC. Cegarra allowed another Hill RBI hit in the 9th and the Bees stranded 2 in the 9th as RP Kyle Mura notched his 1st save. Hill was 4-5 for the Swing with his 6th homer and 4 RBI (25) to move to .360 and terrorize the Bees for a second straight day. RP Michael Schellinger went 4 IP of 2 hits, a walk and 2 Ks to get the win and move to 5-3 with a 3.81 ERA.

Burlington is 17-17 and 4 games back. The series wraps today. Starters: Bees RH Jason Godin (4-1, 2.20) vs. Swing RH Tyler Herron (8-5, 3.71).

Rookie -- Idaho Falls: Orem 12, Chukars 6

DH Evangelho 1-3, HBP, 2 RBI (11) -- .337
CF Ortiz 1-4, BB, 3B (1), RBI (12), K, 2 RS, SB (7) -- .315
3B Van De Keere 1-4, BB, RBI (19), K, RS -- .293
RF Gonzalez 1-3, BB, 2 BB, RBI (20), RS -- .319
1B Seratelli 1-4, BB, 2 K, RS, 2 SB (15) -- .343
C Eigsti 0-2, BB, 2 HBP, K, RS, PB (2), E (3) -- .280
*IF stranded 12.

Leonard 4 IP, 7 R (4 ER), 6 H, 3 BB, 4 K, E (2) -- L, 2-2, 5.45 ERA
Swaggerty IP, 3 R (2 ER), 3 H, 2 BB, K -- 3.18 ERA
J. Hughes 3 IP, H, 4 K, WP -- 3.91 ERA
Roach IP, 2 UER, H, BB, 2 K, WP, E (1) -- 4.41 ERA

The Chukars made 4 errors as Orem ran away for a 12-6 win. Starter John Leonard gave up 2 runs in the 1st thanks in part to an error but an Owlz error helped Anthony Seratelli score Idaho Falls' 1st run in the 2nd. Leonard gave up 4 more runs in the 3rd as Rubi Koko made an error but the Chukars got 3 back in their half of the 3rd on a Devery Van De Keere RBI single and 2-run single by Zach Evangelho. Leonard was pulled with 1 on in the 5th and RP Ben Swaggerty allowed 3 runs to score in the inning to make it 9-4 Owlz. A Joe Hughes wild pitch and Ryan Eigsti error in the 6th made it 10-4. Adrian Ortiz drove in a run with a force out in the 6th and O.D. Gonzalez drew a bases-loaded walk in the 8th to cut it to 10-6 but the Owlz scored 2 in the 9th off Jason Roach thanks to another error and an Eigsti passed ball. Orem 2B Hector Estrella was 2-5 with his 4th double and 3 RBI (19) to move to .349 and SP Vladimir Veras got the win with 5 IP of 4 runs (3 ER) on 5 hits, 2 walks and 3 Ks to move to 4-3 with a 7.45 ERA. RP Ryan Brasier got his 3rd save.

The Chukars are 23-14. The series wraps this afternoon and no starters have been announced on the team site.

Rookie -- Burlington: Greeneville 4, B-Royals 2

3B Santos 2-4, K, RS -- .311
1B Lane 1-4, RBI (24), 2 K -- .317
DH Doscher 0-3, RBI (12), 2 K -- .221
CF Norris 1-2, BB, S, 3 SB (20) -- .303
RF Tucker 0-4, K -- .271

Caldera 1 2/3 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 5 K, WP -- 4.91 ERA
Gausman 5 IP, 2 H, BB, K, WP -- 3.14 ERA
Hastry 2 IP, 2 ER, 3 H, BB, K, HRA, pickoff -- L, 1-3, 2.13 ERA
Belanger 1/3 IP, K -- 0.00 ERA

A 2-run Greeneville 9th got the 'Stros the series split. Starter Alex Caldera allowed 2 runs in the 2nd on 3 hits, a walk and wild pitch before getting pulled from the game. P Brian Gausman left the bases full and a Nick Doscher RBI ground out in the 2nd cut the lead to 2-1. Jake Lane singled home a run in the 3rd and the game was tied. The Royals left Patrick Norris at third in the 8th and RP Bobby Hastry gave up a 2-run homer to SS Bryan Brown in the 9th to break it open. The Royals went down in order in the 9th. Brown was 2-4 for the Astros with his 1st homer and 2 RBI (4) to move to .313 and RP Fernando Abad got the win with 4 IP of a hit and 4 Ks to improve to 4-2 with a 5.40 ERA.

Burlington is 20-15 and 5 games back. The Royals start a 2-game set tonight with the Kingsport Mets (18-16). No announced starters on the team site.

Rookie -- AZL: Royals 7, Giants 3

3B F. Cruz 2-3, BB, HBP, 3B (1), 2 RBI (10), RS, E (8) -- .223
DH D. Cruz 2-4, HBP, RBI (16), K, RS -- .278
1B Wood 2-5, 2B (12), 3B (1), RBI (21), K, 2 RS -- .351
LF Craze 1-5, RBI (16), K -- .257
SS Donovan 1-4, BB, RBI (13), K -- .309
C McCauley 2-5, 2B (6), 2 K, RS -- .308
CF Richardson 1-5, 2 K, RS, SB (4) -- .208
RF Pennell 1-4, BB, K, RS, 2 SB (14) -- .338
*The Royals stranded 11.

Runion 5 2/3 IP, ER, 3 H, 3 BB, 4 K -- W, 2-1, 5.73 ERA
Hodgson 2 1/3 IP, ER, 3 H, BB, 4 K -- 5.82 ERA
Vasquez IP, ER, 2 H -- 7.88 ERA

The Royals stayed undefeated on the second half with the win. The Royals scored 3 runs in the 2nd on a 2-run Fernando Cruz triple and Dennis Donovan RBI single before adding 2 in the 3rd on a David Wood RBI triple and Diego Cruz RBI single. The final 2 runs for the Royals came in the 6th on an Ian Craze RBI single and steal of home by Hilton Richardson to make it 7-0. SP Sam Runion left with a 3-hit shutout going but 2 on and 2 out in the 6th before Ivor Hodgson allowed an RBI single and another run in the 8th to trim it to 7-2. RP Alberto Vasquez allowed a run in the 9th before closing it out. Giants 1B Andrew D'alessio was 2-4 with his 7th double and 2 RBI (26) to move to .275 and SP Oliver Odle took the loss with 2 IP of 5 ER on 8 hits and 2 Ks to drop to 3-2 with a 3.51 ERA.

The Royals are 2-0. They play the first-half champ and fellow 2-0 Mariners tonight.

Royals on the Farm 7/27

AAA -- Omaha: Salt Lake 13, O-Royals 7

SS Aviles 2-4, BB, 3B (6), HR (13), 2 RBI (60), 3 RS -- .315
DH Costa 2-5, RBI (8), K, RS -- .368
C Tupman 2-5, RBI (23), PB (9) -- .291
2B Wathan 2-5, RBI (14), RS -- .258
LF Lubanski 2-4, RBI (9), K, OF assist at second -- .189
1B Shealy 1-4, BB, 2B (3), RBI (2), 2 K, RS -- .257
CF Gathright 2-5, RS -- .240
RF Maier 1-5, 2B (21) -- .298
*Omaha stranded 10.

Wright 4 IP, 5 ER, 7 H, 3 BB, 3 K, HRA -- 4.11 ERA
Markray 2 IP, 3 ER, 4 H, 2 K, WP -- L, 5-5, 5.43 ERA
Musser IP, H, K -- BS, 2, 0.00 ERA
Hoelscher IP, 5 ER, 5 H, BB -- 4.84 ERA

Neal Musser blew a save for the 2nd time this season in Omaha in the 7th and the Bees salvaged the finale with the runaway win. Starter Matt Wright gave up a run on a hit and walk in the 1st and then 2 runs on 3 singles in the 2nd to spot Salt Lake a 3-0 lead. Omaha got back in the game with an RBI triple by Mike Aviles and Shane Costa RBI single to trim the lead to 3-2 in the 3rd. Wright gave up a run in both the 3rd and 4th to make it 5-2 Bees. Aviles hit his 13th homer in the 5th to cut the lead back to 2 but Thad Markray gave the run back in the bottom of the inning on 2 hits and a wild pitch. Omaha wasn't finished, tho, as the Royals scored 4 runs in the 7th on a Ryan Shealy RBI double that chased Ervin Santana, a Matt Tupman RBI ground out and RBI singles by Chris Lubanski and Derek Wathan that made it 7-6 Omaha. Musser came in with 2 on and none out in the 7th and gave up a sac fly and 2-out RBI single. Lubanski threw out the runner at second to end the inning with a 8-7 Bees lead. Nate Hoelscher came in for the 8th and the wheels fell off as he allowed 3 singles, 2 doubles, a passed ball and walk to score 5 runs to make it 13-7. The O-Royals went down in order in the 9th as Rich Thompson picked up his 1st save for Salt Lake. Bees LF Greg Porter was 4-5 with his 1st SB, 8th double and 3 RBI (24) to move to .327 and RP Alex Serrano got the win with 2/3 IP of an ER on 4 hits to move to 3-4 with a 5.72. He also picked up his 3rd blown save.

Omaha is 52-55. A 4-game set at the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (55-51, AAA Rockies) starts tonight. The Sky Sox roster features Colorado prospects P Jason Hirsh (0-2, 9.45 in 2 starts after getting mostly torched in Colorado), 1B Joe Koshansky (.313 BA/.916 OPS), 3B Ian Stewart (.309/.864), OF Joe Gaetti (.301/.965) and former Royals P Denny Bautista (0-2, 3.72, 1.48 WHIP all in relief) and P Bob Keppel (6-7, 6.30, 46 BB/39 K). Hirsh was set to start the opener for the Sky Sox and Omaha hadn't announced its starter yet on the team site.

AA -- Wichita: Springfield 9, Wranglers 8 (11)

DH Stodolka 3-5, 2B (20), 2 RBI (44), RS -- .295
3B Nettles 2-5, 2B (2), RBI (16), RS -- .227
RF Valentin 1-4, S, RBI (35), K, 2 RS -- .298
1B Kaaihue 0-4, BB, RBI (14) -- .234, not showing a lot of improvement at AA
CF Greenberg 1-3, 2 BB, 3B (7), K, 2 RS -- .266
LF Padilla 0-5, RS -- .348

Atencio 6 IP, 7 ER, 8 H, 2 BB, 5 K, HRA -- 4.64 ERA
Bausher IP, BB, K -- 8.44 ERA
DeHoyos 3 IP, UER, H, 2 K -- BS, 1, 0.59 ERA
de la Vara IP, ER, H, 2 BB -- L, 2-2, 5.40 ERA

Wichita had a 6-2 lead at one point but Springfield came back and forced extras in the 9th before rallying in the 11th for the win. The Cards scored off Greg Atencio in the 2nd to grab the lead and scored again on 2 hits and a sac fly in the 3rd to make it 2-0. Wichita got on the board big time in the 3rd with 6 runs on RBI singles by Mike Stodolka, Geraldo Valentin and Jeff Nettles, a Kila Kaaihue bases loaded walk and a wild pitch that scored 2 runs thanks to a Cards error. Atencio gave up a homer in the 4th to cut it to 6-3 and then ran into trouble in the 6th. Three singles loaded the bases for Springfield with no outs and a sac fly, walk and bases-clearing double evaporated the lead to make it 7-6 Cards. Adam Greenberg led off the Wichita 7th with a triple and scored on a Stodolka single before Valentin scored on a double-play ball to give Wichita the 8-7 lead. Gabe DeHoyos had retired 5 straight and had no on with 2 outs in the 9th when he gave up a triple to Cards CF Colby Rasmus and Valentino Arce's 6th error on the next play allowed the run to score. Stodolka was stranded after leading off the Wichita 10th with a double and Gilbert de la Vara allowed a walk, HBP and RBI double in the 11th to make it 9-8 Cards. The Wranglers went down in order in the 9th as Chris Perez notched his 27th save. Rasmus was 3-6 for Springfield with his 29th double, 2nd triple, 15th SB and 54th RBI to move to .252, 2B Casey Rowlett was 2-4 with his 3rd error, 8th double and 3 RBI (10) to move to .245 and RP Zach Zuercher got the win with 3 IP of a hit and 2 Ks to move to 2-0 with a 2.61 ERA.

Wichita is 12-22 and 9 games back. Game 3 of the set is tonight. Probable starters: Cards RH Mitch Boggs (9-5, 3.67) vs. Wichita righty Carlos Rosa (4-6, 5.23).

A-Adv. -- Wilmington: suspended 0-0 by rain in 4th

The Blue Rocks will continue the game tonight before the regularly scheduled game. Pitchers in the resumed game will be Rocks righty Patrick Green (0-4, 4.25) vs. Kinston southpaw Ryan Edell (9-5, 3.27). The regular game will feature Rocks right-hander Dan Cortes (2-8, 4.50) and Kinston righty Frank Herrmann (7-4, 4.06).

A -- Burlington: Quad Cities 6, Bees 5

LF Dickerson 1-5, HR (3), 2 RBI (37), RS -- .297
DH Castillo 1-4, 2B (4), RBI (4) -- .256
CF Robinson 0-4, SF, RBI (19), 2 K -- .243
SS Bianchi 2-4, BB, RS -- .216
RF Walton 2-4 -- .316

Wood 4 2/3 IP, 4 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 4 K, HRA -- 7.45 ERA
Cribb 3 1/3 IP, 2 ER, H, BB, 2 K, HRA -- L, 2-8, 6.50 ERA, good outings far between

The Bees broke a tie with a run in the 8th but Quad Cities had its own turn in the inning and made it count for a 6-5 win. Kurt Mertins scored on a wild pitch in the 2nd and the Bees took a 1-0 lead but left 2 in scoring position. Joe Dickerson clubbed a 2-run homer in the 3rd for his 3rd of the season and the score was 3-0. Derrick Robinson added a sac fly in the 4th to make it 4-0 and starter Blake Wood was cruising into the 4th. The Swing rallied for a run on 2 hits and a walk with 2 outs in the 4th to cut it to 4-1 and Wood served up a 3-run homer to LF Steve Hill in the 5th to tie the game. Luis Castillo gave the lead back to Burlington in the 8th with a 1-out RBI double and RP Josh Cribb came out for his 3rd full inning of work only to give up a 2-run shot to Hill in the bottom of the frame to make it 6-5. A Dickerson double play gave RP Kenneth Maiques his 23rd save in the 9th. Hill was 2-4 for QC with 2 HR (5) and 5 RBI (21) to move to .340 and RP Armando Carrasco went 2 IP for the win with an ER on 3 hits and 2 Ks to move to 4-1 with a 2.20 ERA.

Burlington is 17-16 and 4 games back. The series shifts back to Burlington for 2 starting tonight. Probable starters: Bees LH Everett Teaford (4-8, 5.55) vs. Swing RH Elvis Hernandez (5-7, 3.38).

Rookie -- Idaho Falls: Chukars 3, Orem 2

2B Evangelho 2-3, RBI (9), E (3) -- .337
LF Morel 0-3, RBI (12), K -- .224
1B Robinson 1-4, 2B (9) -- .341
CF Ortiz 0-4, 3 K -- .317
RF Gonzalez 1-4, K, RS, SB (6) -- .318

Snipes 5 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 3 K, pickoff, E (3) -- 4.75 ERA
Denton 2 IP, 2 R (1 ER), 2 H, 2 BB, 2 K, WP -- BS, 1, 5.40 ERA
Jensen 2 IP, 2 H, 3 K -- W, 1-1, 2.25 ERA

The Chukars blew a shutout lead in the 6th but pulled out the win thanks to a run in the 8th. Idaho Falls jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the 2nd thanks to a Zach Evangelho RBI single and a run on an Orem error. Starter Clegg Snipes stranded 2 Owlz in the 4th and handed the ball to Chris Denton for the 6th. Denton struggled in the inning as the Owlz tied the game on a walk, hit, sac fly and Evangelho error. Denton took advantage of a strike-him-out, throw-him-out double play in the 7th to keep it tied and RP Matt Jensen stranded 2 in the 8th. The Chukars had 2 out and none on in their half of the 8th when a hit, wild pitch and error scored Devery Van De Keere to make it 3-2. Jensen pitched a perfect 9th to get the win. Orem SS Andrew Romine was 2-4 with 2 SB (5) to move to .356 and RP Derek Schlecker took the loss with 1 2/3 IP of an UER on a hit and K to drop to 0-2 with a 4.91 ERA.

IF is 23-13 and has locked up the first-half division title. The series continues tonight with no announced starters on the team site. The Chukars' staff leads the Pioneer League in ERA at 3.56.

Rookie -- Burlington: B-Royals 8, Greeneville 2

1B Lane 2-5, HR (3), 2 RBI (23), K, RS -- .320
LF Norris 5-5, 2B (4), RBI (7), 2 RS -- .299, wow
C Doscher 3-4, 2 RS -- .231
3B Santos 1-1, 3 BB, RBI (16), E (7) -- .300
CF Lough 1-5, RBI (7), RS -- .340
2B Martin 1-5, RBI (17), K -- .208
RF Tucker 0-4, RS, SB (2) -- .279, slumping

Augustine 5 2/3 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, BB, 2 K, HRA -- W, 3-1, 1.44 ERA, been great signing as NDFA
Bradley 3 1/3 IP, 3 H, 3 K -- SV, 3, 1.63 ERA, ditto

The Royals cranked out 8 runs to coast past the Astros and take the series opener. They got off to a great start with a 3-run 1st on an error that scored Patrick Norris, a Jake Lane RBI single and Jose Santos RBI single. Lane cracked his 3rd homer of his career in the 3rd to make it 4-0 and SP Joe Augustine gave up the 'Stros' only runs in the 4th on a 2-run homer by 1B Kyle Miller. The Royals got the runs back in the bottom of the inning on a Norris RBI double and wild pitch that scored the speedy outfielder. Kyle Martin singled home a run in the 6th and David Lough hit an RBI force out in the 8th to make it 8-2. Norris singled in the 9th to complete a 5-for-5 night at the plate. Miller was 1-4 for the Astros with his 4th homer and 2 RBI (12) to move to .206 and SP Kyle Greenwalt took the loss with 4 IP of 6 runs (5 ER) on 9 hits, a walk and K to drop to 0-3 with an 8.80 ERA.

Burlington is 20-14 and 4 games back. The series wraps tonight and no starters have been announced on the team site.

Rookie -- AZL: Royals 4, Angels 2

CF Richardson 1-4, 3B (2), 2 RBI (8), K -- .209
3B F. Cruz 2-4, 2B (1), K, RS -- .209
C Y. Reyes 2-2, 2B (1), RS -- .600
RF Jacobo 1-2, BB, 2B (3), RBI (4), RS -- .129
DH D. Cruz 0-4, RBI (15), K -- .269
LF Pennell 1-3, HBP, K, RS, 2 SB (12) -- .343
1B Wood 0-4, K -- .349

Gutierrez 3 IP, H, BB, 3 K, WP -- 0.00 ERA, season debut
Hodge 3 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 3 BB, 2 K, 2 WP -- 3.29 ERA
Sirrett 3 IP, H, 3 K -- W, 1-0, 4.50 ERA

Three pitchers each had a third of the Royals' second-half-opening win over the Angels. The Royals threw out a runner at the plate as SP Dan Gutierrez got out of the inning unscathed in his season debut. The Royals scored 3 runs in the 2nd on an Astin Jacobo RBI double and 2-run triple by Hilton Richardson. Diego Cruz added an RBI ground out in the 3rd to make it 4-0. Mitch Hodge relieved Gutierrez in the 4th and allowed 2 runs in the frame on 3 walks, 2 hits and a wild pitch before stranding the bases full. Onassis Sirrett took over pitching duties in the 7th and had an easy time of it to pick up his first win. Angels LF Tyler Mann was 2-4 with his 2nd double and 2 RBI (7) to move to .302 and SP Manuel Flores took the loss with 4 IP of 4 ER on 7 hits to drop to 1-2 with a 4.40 ERA.

The Royals are 1-0. They play the 0-1 Giants tonight.

Royals on the Farm 7/26

AAA -- Omaha: O-Royals 4, Salt Lake 2 (7/G1)

SS Aviles 2-4, HR (12), 2 RBI (57), RS -- .310
CF Gathright 2-4, 3B (4), RBI (23), RS -- .341
3B Lewis 1-3, 2B (9), RBI (28), RS -- .233
RF Maier 0-3, S, 2 K -- .300
DH Costa 0-3, BB -- .364
1B Shealy 1-4, K -- .250
LF Lubanski 0-3, K -- .171, hasn't quite got the hang of AAA yet

Hochevar 6 IP, 2 ER, 8 H, 2 BB, 4 K -- W, 1-1, 3.94 ERA, not the prettiest line but got the job done
Musser IP, H, 3 K -- SV, 5, 0.00 ERA (through 36 1/3 IP)

Starter Luke Hochevar kept the O-Royals close and they posted a late-inning comeback to get the top prospect his first AAA win. Hochevar left a runner at third in the 1st and Omaha did the same in the 3rd. The Bees broke through with 2 runs on 3 hits, a walk and hit batsman in the 4th but Richie Lewis doubled home a run in the 5th and Joey Gathright hit a big 2-out RBI triple to tie the game. Mike Aviles led off the 6th with his 12th homer but the Royals left the bases full. Aviles came back up in the 7th and singled home Gathright to make it 4-2. Neal Musser gave up a hit in the bottom of the 7th in the midst of striking out the side for his 5th save. Bees CF Terry Evans was 2-4 with his 30th double and 3 SB off Hochevar and C Matt Tupman to move to .315 and SP Kasey Olenberger took the loss with 6 1/3 IP of 4 ER on 8 hits, 2 walks and 3 Ks to drop to 8-5 with a 4.57 ERA.

O-Royals 7, Salt Lake 3 (7/G2)

LF Huber 3-4, 2B (6), 2 RBI (39) -- .256
C Phillips 1-4, 2B (4), 2 RBI (10) -- .224
SS Aviles 2-3, S, 2B (20), RBI (58), 2 RS -- .313, his '07 has him deserving a Sept. call
PR-LF Maier 0-0, SF, RBI (47), RS -- .300
RF Costa 2-4, 2 RS, SB (5), E (1) -- .367
CF Gathright 0-2, 2 BB, RS, picked off -- .338
1B Brazell 1-3 -- .309
DH Shealy 1-3, BB, K, RS -- .258, not hitting much better at Omaha

Lumsden 5 2/3 IP, 3 R (2 ER), 6 H, 4 BB, 4 K, 2 WP -- W, 7-5, 6.25 ERA, even uglier than Hochevar's line
Braun 1 1/3 IP, H, 3 K -- SV, 8, 1.20 ERA, back to mowing 'em down for Omaha

Five runs in the last 2 innings propelled the Royals to a doubleheader sweep. Starter Tyler Lumsden walked 2 but stranded them in the 1st before giving up a run on 2 hits in the 3rd. Mike Aviles continued his good day with an RBI double in the 4th and Justin Huber singled him home to make it 2-1. Lumsden gave up the tying run in the 5th on 2 hits and a wild pitch with Shane Costa chipping in his first AAA error of the season. Lumsden stranded 2 and the Royals responded with 3 runs in the 6th on a wild pitch that scored Costa and a 2-run double by Paul Phillips that made it 5-2. Ryan Braun came in with 2 on and 2 out in the 6th and gave up an RBI single before escaping the jam. Omaha bought some insurance with 2 runs in the 7th on a Maier sac fly that turned into a double play (but scored a run) and a Huber RBI ground-rule double. Braun K'd 2 in the 9th for his 8th save. Bees 2B Adam Pavkovich was 3-3 with his 27th RBI to move to .275 and RP Jason Bulger took the loss with an IP of 3 runs (2 ER) on 3 hits, a walk and 2 Ks to drop to 4-2 with a 4.24 ERA.

Omaha is 52-54. The series concludes tonight. Probable starters: Omaha RH Matt Wright (6-3, 3.82) vs. Salt Lake RH Ervin Santana (0-1, 1.29). Thursday's wins marked Omaha's first sweep of a road twinbill since May 2000.

AA -- Wichita: Springfield 8, Wranglers 4

3B Nettles 2-5, HR (4), 2 RBI (15), 2 K, RS -- .217, been sporadic in hitting at Wichita
LF Padilla 2-4, BB, RBI (31), RS -- .361
2B Falu 2-4, K -- .251
C Donachie 1-3, BB, HR (6), RBI (26), RS -- .198
RF Valentin 1-3, BB, S, K -- .299
1B Stodolka 1-5, 2 K -- .290
*Wichita stranded 10.

Mattox 4 2/3 IP, 7 ER, 7 H, 2 BB, 2 K, HRA, balk -- L, 0-4, 6.11 ERA, Indy import isn't getting it done. FREE ROWDY!
Cromer 1 1/3 IP, ER, 3 H, BB, K, WP -- 6.03 ERA
Connolly 3 IP, H, 2 K -- 5.42 ERA

The Cardinals packaged 8 runs in 3 innings and rolled past the Wranglers and starter D.J. Mattox. Jorge Padilla gave Wichita the lead with an RBI single in the 1st but Wichita stranded 2 in the frame. Mattox gave up 2 runs on 3 hits in the 3rd to give the Cardinals a 2-1 lead and a walk and double off him in the 4th made it 3-1. Jeff Nettles tied the game with one swing of the bat in the Wichita 4th as his 4th homer was a 2-run shot. Two batters later, Adam Donachie cranked his 6th homer of the season to make it 4-3 Wranglers. The good times were short-lived, however, as Mattox and Jason Cromer gave up 5 runs in the 5th on 2 doubles, a walk, balk and HBP off Mattox and walk, single and wild pitch off Cromer. Wichita left a runner at third in the 6th and stranded 2 in the 7th. In the 9th, the Wranglers put 2 on with 2 outs but Nettles struck out to end the game and give Cards RP Chris Perez his 26th save. Cards RF Sean Danielson was 4-4 with his 33rd RBI and 2 SB (11) to move to .299, 3B Juan Lucena was 3-5 with 2 2B (6) and 3 RBI (21) to move to .263 and SP Eric Haberer got the win with 6 IP of 4 runs (3 ER) on 9 hits, 2 walks and 2 Ks to move to 10-4 with a 3.81 ERA.

Wichita is 12-21 and 8 games back. Game 2 is tonight. Probable starters: Cards lefty Adam Daniels (4-3, 4.01) vs. Wichita righty Greg Atencio (4-5, 4.20).

A-Adv. -- Wilmington: Kinston 7, Blue Rocks 5 (10)

CF Bigler 3-5, 2B (10), 2 RBI (23), RS -- .233
RF McFall 2-4, BB, 2B (24), 3 RBI (47) -- .259, stays hot
C Thibault 3-4, S, 2B (14), RS -- .277
2B Maddox 2-5, RS, E (4) -- .266
3B Lisson 0-3, BB, S, E (11) -- .263
SS McConnell 1-4, BB -- .257
*The Rocks stranded 10.

Pimentel 6 2/3 IP, 3 ER, 5 H, BB, 4 K, HRA, 2 WP -- 2.80 ERA
Oliveros 2 1/3 IP, 2 ER, 3 H, BB, 2 K, HRA -- BS, 2, 3.09 ERA
D'Amico IP, 2 ER, 2 H, BB, HRA -- L, 4-1, 4.25 ERA

RP Rayner Oliveros blew a lead in the 8th and fell victim to the bat of Tribe C Armando Camacaro in an extra-inning loss. Starter Julio Pimentel stranded 2 in the 1st and Rocks took the lead in their half of the 2nd on a 2-out rally of a double, 2 walks and a 2-run single by Brett Bigler. Chris McConnell broke a cardinal rule and got thrown out at third on the play to end the inning, tho. The Rocks stranded 2 in the 4th and Kinston cut the lead in half in the 5th on a walk, single and 2 wild pitches. Wilmington pulled away with 3 runs in the 5th as they loaded the bases with 1 out and Brian McFall cleared them with his 24th double to make it 5-1. Pimentel gave up a 2-run homer to Camacaro in the 6th and Oliveros gave up another 2-run homer to the catcher in the 8th to tie it. Oliveros stranded 2 in the 9th and the Rocks did the same in their half. Camacaro came back up with a man on in the 10th and Yovany D'Amico served up Camacaro's 3rd homer of the game to make it 7-5. The Rocks went down in short order in the 10th. Camacaro was 3-5 with 3 HR (3) and 6 RBI (8) to move to .269 and RP Scott Roehl got the win with 2 IP of 2 hits and a walk to move to 3-0 with a 3.50 ERA.

Wilmington is 21-12 and 4 games up on first. The series goes to game 2 tonight. Probable starters: Rocks' Tyler Chambliss (3-1, 4.88) vs. Indians' Steve Wright (0-1, 6.75). Chambliss was named the Carolina League Pitcher of the Week for July 15-22 with a 1-0 mark with a 1.80 ERA and two total runs over his two starts.

A -- Burlington: Quad Cities 14, Bees 6

3B Thompson 1-3, BB, HR (17), 3 RBI (49), K, RS -- .239
CF Robinson 1-3, BB, 2 RBI (18), K, SB (23) -- .247
RF Walton 2-4, 2B (4), 2 K, 2 RS -- .307
C Howell 1-3, RBI (17), K, RS, CS, PB (6) -- .246
SS Bianchi 0-4, RS -- .212
LF Dickerson 0-3, BB, 2 K -- .299

DiPietro 2 IP, 5 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 2 K, WP -- L, 5-7, 5.09 ERA
Campbell 2 1/3 IP, 5 ER, 4 H, 2 BB, K, HRA, WP -- 4.13 ERA
Barrera 1 2/3 IP, 3 ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 2 K -- 5.91 ERA
Wladyka 2 IP, ER, 5 H, K -- 8.20 ERA

The Bees were efficient in stranding only 1 runner all night but the Swing pounded out 18 hits and 14 runs to easily take the opener, thanks in part to a 7-run 5th. SP Ryan DiPietro was in trouble from the get-go as a HBP, walk, wild pitch and RBI single spotted the Swing a run in the 1st. Quad Cities added 4 in the 2nd on 4 hits and a walk to make it 5-0 but Jeff Howell got the Bees on the board with an RBI single in the 3rd. Matt Campbell relieved DiPietro in the 3rd and gave up a solo homer to make it 6-1. Mike Thompson hit his 17th homer for a 3-run shot in the 4th to cut it to 6-4 but then the 5th came and Campbell and Henry Barrera got knocked around for 7 runs on 7 hits, a walk and a Campbell wild pitch. The Bees got 2 runs back in the 7th on a 2-out, 2-run single by Derrick Robinson but Robinson got tagged out at second to end the inning. RP Jim Wladyka gave up a gravy run in the 8th and the Bees didn't threaten after the 7th. Swing LF Steve Hill was 3-4 with his 8th double, 4 RBI (16) to move to .333, RF Jaime Landin was 4-4 with his 1st SB, 8th double, 7th HR and 3 RBI (30) to move to .244 and SP Shaun Garceau got the win with 5 IP of 4 runs (1 ER) on 4 hits, a walk and 7 Ks to improve to 7-7 with a 3.81 ERA.

The Bees are 17-15 and 4 games back. The series continues tonight. Probable starters: Bees RH Blake Wood (0-1, 7.20) vs. Swing RH Brandon Dickson (8-5, 3.61).

Rookie -- Idaho Falls: off day

The Chukars start a 3 game home set versus the Orem Owlz (15-20, Rookie Halos) tonight. The Chukars are 4-2 versus the Owlz. No announced starters on the team site.

Rookie -- Burlington: Danville 8, B-Royals 0 (4-hitter)

RF Tucker 1-4, 3 K -- .288
CF Norris 0-3, S, 3 K -- .268
DH Lough 0-1, BB -- .357, pulled for PH in 6th

Arias 2 IP, 4 R (3 ER), 5 H -- L, 2-2, 5.93 ERA
J. Diaz 2 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 2 K, HRA, WP -- 9.26 ERA
Belanger and Lopez 3 IP scoreless relief
Gjeldum IP, 2 ER, 3 H, 2 K, HRA -- 4.86 ERA

The Royals left Danville meekly after getting outscored, 9-0, in two games. The Braves scored 6 runs off Henry Arias and Jose Diaz over the first 3 innings and, after Danville tacked on 2 in the 8th, the Royals' best chance to score came in the 9th when they had 2 hits but left the runners in scoring position to take the shutout. Braves C Jeff Stevens was 3-3 with his 1st homer and 3 RBI (10) to move to .413 and RP Jose Ortegano got the win with 4 IP of a hit and 8 Ks to improve to 3-0 with a 0.80 ERA.

Burlington is 19-14 and 4 games back. A 2-game home set versus the Greeneville Astros (7-28) starts tonight. No announced starters on the team site. The Royals are 3-1 versus the 'Stros.

Rookie -- AZL: off day

The Royals took on the 19-9 Angels today after finishing the first half 12-16. Both teams' records have reset to 0-0.

Royals on the Farm 7/25

AAA -- Omaha: rainout

Omaha and Salt Lake will make it up and play 2 tonight. Game 1 probables: Omaha RH Luke Hochevar (0-1, 4.50) vs. Salt Lake RH Kasey Olenberger (8-4, 4.51). Game 2 probables: Omaha LH Tyler Lumsden (6-5, 6.45) vs. Salt Lake RH Pedro Liriano (3-11, 6.27).

AA -- Wichita: Wranglers 8, Tulsa 6

LF Padilla 2-3, 2 BB, 2 2B (8), 2 RBI (30), RS -- .357
RF Joseph 3-4, RBI (19), 2 RS -- .233
CF Greenberg 1-4, BB, 3B (6), 2 RBI (37), K, RS -- .266
1B Stodolka 0-3, BB, SF, RBI (42), K, RS, E (7) -- .291
SS Falu 2-3, BB, RS -- .248
2B Valentin 2-4, BB, RS -- .298, be interesting to see what he can do at Omaha when the time comes
DH Kaaihue 0-2, BB, HBP, K, RS -- .242

D. Hughes 4 1/3 IP, 5 R (2 ER), 7 H, 4 K -- 3.31 ERA
Bausher 2 2/3 IP, ER, 3 H, 2 K, HRA -- 9.00 ERA
de la Vara IP, H, BB -- W, 2-1, 5.11 ERA
Plummer IP, K -- SV, 10, 3.02 ERA

The lead see-sawed in the middle innings but Wichita came out on top to split the truncated series with the Drillers. Wichita loaded the bases with 2 out in the 2nd and Onil Joseph cracked a single that scored 2 runs thanks to a Driller error. Starter Dusty Hughes stranded 2 in scoring position in the 3rd but allowed 3 runs in the 4th on a single, 2 doubles and 3B Jeff Nettles' 2nd error of the night. Wichita surged back ahead in the bottom of the 4th as Adam Greenberg hit a 2-out, 2-run triple to make it 4-3. Hughes was pulled with 2 on and 1 out in the 5th and Tim Bausher gave up a 3-run homer to the first batter he faced, RF Jordan Czarniecki, to make it 6-4 Tulsa. Czarniecki terrorized Wichita last season, so it's no surprise. Mike Stodolka scored on a wild pitch in the Wichita 5th and then contributed a game-tying sac fly in the 6th. The Wranglers stranded 2 in the 7th and Jorge Padilla supplied the big hit with a 2-run double in the 8th to make it 8-6. Jarod Plummer pitched a 1-2-3 9th for his 10th save. Czarniecki was 2-4 with his 9th homer and 2 RBI (41) to move to .285, C Rick Guarno was 3-3 with his 13th double and 28th RBI to move to .229 and RP Jarrett Grube took the loss with 2 IP of 2 ER on 3 hits, a walk and K to drop to 4-3 with a 2.77 ERA.

Wichita is 12-20 and 7 games back. The Springfield Cardinals (19-13) pay a visit to Wichita to start a 4-game set tonight. Probable starters: Cards lefty Eric Haberer (9-4, 3.77) vs. Wranglers righty D.J. Mattox (0-3, 4.63). Wrangler fans donated $609 to the Mike Coolbaugh memorial fund Wednesday.

A-Adv. -- Wilmington: Blue Rocks 8, Salem 4 (10)

RF McFall 2-4, BB, 3 RBI (44), 2 K, RS -- .256, hot hitter right now
3B Lisson 2-5, BB, 2 2B (20), K, 2 RS -- .265
CF Duarte 1-5, BB, RBI (25), K, RS -- .280
1B McCann 1-4, BB, 2B (7), RBI (14), K, RS -- .240
LF Bigler 1-1, RBI (21) -- .225, entered as pinch runner in 9th
2B Johnson 1-4, 2 BB, K, RS -- .257, .375 OBP; if he could hit a little better with some pop....
SS McConnell 0-3, 2 HBP, SB (4) -- .257
*The Rocks stranded 10.

Penn 3 1/3 IP, 3 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, K, WP -- 3.76 ERA
Humen 2 2/3 IP, ER, 4 H, BB -- 3.02 ERA
Barnes 2 IP, 2 H, 2 K -- 3.59 ERA
Haltiwanger 2 IP, H, BB -- W, 5-3, 3.63 ERA

An 8th inning Rocks run forced extras and a 10th inning rally put the Avalanche away. Wilmington left the bases full in the 3rd and Salem broke the ice in the 4th with 3 runs on 4 hits and a walk off Michael Penn and another hit off RP David Humen. The Blue Rocks' bats awoke in the 5th as they tied the game in a 2-out rally of a bases-loaded walk by Brad McCann and a 2-run single by Brian McFall that ended the inning when McFall tried to stretch it to two. Salem got the lead back in the 5th as Humen loaded the bases with no outs but only gave up 1 run. Mario Lisson led off the Rocks 8th with a double and scored on a McFall single to tie the game at 4. Wilmington left 2 in scoring position in the 9th and RP Russ Haltiwanger stranded 2 in the 9th to send the game to the 10th. A Salem error scored the Rocks' first run in the inning and another error scored McFall before Brett Bigler singled home a run and Jose Duarte hit an RBI ground out to make it 8-4. Haltiwanger stranded 1 in the 10th to lock down his 5th win. Salem 3B Chris Johnson was 3-4 with his 18th RBI to move to .292 and RP Chris Blazek took the loss with an IP of 4 runs (1 ER) on 3 hits and 2 walks to drop to 1-2 with a 5.06 ERA.

Wilmington is 21-11 and 4 games up on first. The Rocks return home to start a 4-game set with the Kinston Indians (18-12) tonight. RHP Julio Pimentel (7-4, 2.73) will get the start for the Rocks in game 1. The Rocks are 6-10 versus the K-Tribe.

A -- Burlington: off day

The Bees (17-14) start a 4-game split home-and-home series with the Swing of the Quad Cities (17-13, A Cardinals) tonight. Probable starters: Bees LH Ryan DiPietro (5-6, 4.52) vs. Swing RH Shaun Garceau (6-7, 3.94).

Rookie -- Idaho Falls: Chukars 10, Missoula 3

LF Koko 2-5, 2B (3), HR (1), 5 RBI (11), 2 K, 2 RS, E (5) -- .160, nothing like almost doubling your RBI total in one night
CF Ortiz 3-5, RBI (11), 2 RS, SB (6) -- .328, answering "can he hit, though?" questions emphatically
3B Van De Keere 2-5, 2 RBI (18), K, RS, E (11) -- .295
RF Gonzalez 2-4, BB, K, RS, SB (5) -- .320
DH Robinson 0-5, 2 K -- .344
1B Seratelli 1-3, BB, 2 RS -- .346

Baldwin 3 IP, 3 R (2 ER), 3 H, 5 BB, 2 K -- 2.96 ERA, a little problem with the strike zone
Peterson 4 IP, 2 H, 2 K -- W, 3-2, 4.07 ERA
Holland 2 IP, H, BB, K -- 1.59 ERA

Idaho Falls turned a 3-0 5th inning deficit into a 10-3 win for a second straight day to sweep the Osprey. Starter Burke Baldwin walked the bases loaded in the 1st and 2 sac flies made it 2-0 Missoula. Two errors and a single scored another Osprey run in the 2nd to make it 3-0. Anthony Seratelli started the 5th by breaking up a fledgling no-no with a single and Rubi Koko spoiled the shutout and the lead 2 batters later with a 3-run homer for his 1st of the season. Devery Van De Keere hit a 2-out RBI single in the frame to put the Chukars up, 4-3. Idaho Falls put it away with a 6-run 7th on an RBI single by Van De Keere, a wild pitch that scored a run, a 2-run Koko double, a passed ball that scored a run and an Adrian Ortiz RBI single that made it 10-3. Greg Holland stranded 2 in the 9th to finish it. Missoula RF Jimmy Principe was 2-3 with 2 walks to move to .276 and SP Thomas Layne took the loss with 5 IP of 4 ER on 6 hits, 2 walks and 3 Ks to drop to 2-4 with a 4.50 ERA.

Idaho Falls is 22-13 and 6 1/2 games up on first. They have tonight off.

Rookie -- Burlington: Danville 1, B-Royals 0

LF Norris 1-4, 2 K, SB (17) -- .275
RF Tucker 1-3, K -- .289
CF Lough 0-4, 3 K -- .366
1B Lane 0-3, BB, 2 K -- .315

Paukovits 5 IP, ER, 3 H, BB, 4 K, HRA -- L, 0-2, 5.13 ERA, tough loss
Bernat 3 IP, 3 BB, 2 K -- 2.00 ERA

The teams combined for 5 hits and 1 Bryan Paukovits pitch did all the damage Danville needed for the win. The Braves took a no-hitter through 6 2/3 IP and Paukovits gave up a 2-out solo homer to LF Cody Johnson in the 4th for the only run of the game. The Royals stranded 2 in the 7th and Jake Lane popped out with the tying run at third in the 9th to end it and give RP Nicholas Fellman his 8th save. Johnson was 1-3 for the Braves with his 6th homer and 21st RBI to move to .255 and SP Cole Rohrbough got the win with 5 hitless IP of 10 Ks to improve to 3-2 with a 0.59 ERA. Can't get much better than that.

Burlington is 19-13 and 3 games back. The series wraps tonight and no starters were announced on the team site.

Rookie -- AZL: Royals 19, Brewers 9

RF Pennell 3-5, BB, SF, 4 RBI (10), 2 RS, E (3) -- .343
LF Craze 2-4, 2 BB, 3 RBI (15), 2 RS -- .262
PH-C S. Perez 2-5, 2B (3), 3 RBI (9), K, RS, 2 PB (6) -- .231
3B F. Cruz 2-5, BB, 2 RBI (8), 2 RS -- .195
1B Wood 1-4, BB, SF, 2 RBI (20), K, RS -- .363
DH D. Cruz 2-5, 2 2B (5), 2 RBI (14), 2 RS -- .281
CF Richardson 1-4, 2 HBP, HR (2), RBI (6), 3 RS -- .207
SS Jose 2-5, BB, HBP, RBI (12), 4 RS, E (12) -- .206
*The Royals still stranded 11.

Duffy 2 IP, 3 UER, 2 H, 2 BB, 6 K -- 0.00 ERA, racking up the Ks; 21 in 9 2/3 IP
Lehmann 4 IP, 4 R (3 ER), 3 H, 3 BB, 5 K, HRA -- 4.29 ERA
Santerre 2 IP, nothing -- W, 3-1, 4.70 ERA
Mieles IP, 2 UER, 2 BB, 2 K, WP, balk -- 7.27 ERA

Simply put, the Brewers stink. The Royals racked up a 9-run 1st and the Brewers made 4 errors as the Royals scored 19 runs on 15 hits for the easy win. Brewers SP Joel Morales lasted a third of an inning as Vinny Pennell singled in the Royals' 1st run, Diego Cruz clocked a 2-run double, Ian Craze took a bases-loaded walk, Salvador Perez hit a 3-run double off P Jorge Crespo and Pennell came back up for a 2-run single to make it 9-0 before the Brewers even got up to bat. Leadoff guy Hilton Richardson was hit by a pitch twice in the inning. A Brewer error helped make it 10-0 in the 2nd but the Brewers took advantage of a Perez passed ball to score 3 times in the 2nd on 2 hits and a walk off starter Dan Duffy. Pennell hit a sac fly and Fernando Cruz added an RBI single in the 3rd to make it 12-3. The Royals tacked on 2 more in the 4th on a Richardson inside-the-park homer for his 2nd of his young career and a David Wood sac fly. The Brewers scored 1 in the 4th and 3 in the 5th off P Mike Lehmann and the score was 14-7 entering the 9th. The Royals piled on a 5-run rally that inning as Wood and Fernando Cruz hit RBI singles, Craze hit a 2-run single and Lifete Jose singled in a run to make it 19-7. A Pennell error led to 2 Brewer runs in the 9th but Edwin Mieles shut the door at 19-9. Brewers C Ulrich Snijders was 1-4 with his 3rd homer and 3 RBI (7) to move to .222 and Morales took the loss with 1/3 IP of 7 ER on 2 hits, 4 walks and a K to drop to 0-3 with a 10.80 ERA.

The Royals are 12-16. They have today off.

Royals on the Farm 7/24

AAA -- Omaha: O-Royals 5, Salt Lake 3

2B Aviles 2-5, 2B (19), HR (11), 2 RBI (55), K, RS -- .308
DH Shealy 2-4, 2B (2), HR (1), RBI (1), RS -- .250
LF Costa 2-4, 2 2B (13), 2 RS -- .371
RF Maier 2-4, RBI (46) -- .302
CF Gathright 1-5, 2B (10) -- .338
1B Brazell 0-5, 3 K -- .309
SS Berroa 1-4, BB, RS -- .300, up to 16 BB/37 K, better BB/K than Maier, albeit in many less PA

Buckner IP, ER, 3 H -- 4.48 ERA, pulled for "the call," or injury?
Hendrickson 5 IP, ER, 4 H, BB, 2 K -- W, 8-5, 5.92 ERA, left gas can at home for first time in little while
Ray 2 IP, ER, 4 H, BB, 4 K, HRA -- 3.83 ERA
Giron IP, BB -- SV, 5, 4.38 ERA

Omaha fell behind early but the pen buckled down and the offense responded as the Royals took the opener versus the Bees. Omaha got runners at the corners with no outs in the 1st and couldn't capitalize and SP Billy Buckner gave up a run on 3 hits in the 1st before getting pulled for an undisclosed reason after the inning. Mitch Maier singled in a run in the 2nd to tie the game but Salt Lake moved back ahead in the 2nd on 3 hits off Ben Hendrickson. Omaha stranded 2 in the 4th but moved ahead in the 5th on a 2-run homer by Mike Aviles for his 11th on the season. Ken Ray stranded the bases full in the 7th and Ryan Shealy led off the 8th with his 1st AAA homer of his rehab appearances before Shane Costa scored on a wild pitch later in the inning to make it 5-2. Ray gave up a homer in the 9th but Roberto Giron stranded the tying run at second for his 5th save. Bees CF Tommy Murphy was 3-5 to move to .263 and SP Jonathon Rouwenhorst took the loss with 6 IP of 3 ER on 9 hits, a walk and 2 Ks to drop to 9-5 with a 5.12 ERA.

Omaha is 50-54. Game 2 is tonight. Probable starters: Omaha RH Luke Hochevar (0-1, 4.50) vs. Salt Lake RH Kasey Olenberger (8-4, 4.51). RP Ryan Braun was demoted to Omaha to make room for the "Blowtorch" Scott Elarton, on KC's roster.

AA -- Wichita: Tulsa 12, Wranglers 6

2B Gaffney 1-4, 2 RBI (12) -- .292
C Donachie 2-4, HR (5), RBI (25), RS, 2 PB (7) -- .196, haven't put his name on here in while
CF Greenberg 2-5, 2B (23), K, RS -- .266
3B Nettles 1-3, SF, RBI (13), K -- .216
LF Padilla 0-3, 2 BB, RBI (28), RS -- .349
RF Valentin 0-4, BB, RBI (34), K, RS, CS -- .295
1B Stodolka 1-3, 2 BB, 2B (19), RS -- .295

Christensen 5 IP, 6 ER, 7 H, BB, 2 K, 3 HRA -- L, 2-11, 6.07 ERA, man, he wants off the 40-man bad
Cedeno 2/3 IP, 3 ER, 2 H, BB, K, HRA -- 6.57 ERA, at least we only gave up Graffanino for him
DeHoyos 2 1/3 IP, 3 K -- 0.65 ERA, like to see him get another shot at AAA
Plummer IP, 3 ER, 3 H, K, HRA -- 3.07 ERA

Three 3-run innings and an onslaught of 5 homers helped Tulsa return to the diamond with success as the Drillers pounded the Wranglers. Wichita stranded 2 in the 1st and starter Dan Christensen got lit up again as he gave up 3 runs in the 2nd on a 3-run homer by 1B Duke Sardinha. He served up another homer in the 3rd and allowed a run in the 4th before giving up his 3rd Tulsa homer of the game in the 5th to make it 6-0. Wichita appeared to have some life as the Wranglers rattled off a 5-run 5th on a leadoff homer by Adam Donachie (his 5th), a bases-loaded walk by Jorge Padilla, a sac fly by Jeff Nettles and a 2-run single by Mike Gaffney that chased SP Franklin Morales and cut the lead to 6-5. Donachie flew out to end the inning and strand 2 and Juan Cedeno came in to pitch the 6th for Wichita and couldn't keep it close. Drillers 2B Corey Wimberly cranked a 3-run homer to send Cedeno to the showers and RP Gabe DeHoyos took the novel approach of holding Tulsa in check for 2 1/3 IP. Geraldo Valentin hit an RBI ground out in the 6th to cut it to 9-6 but Jarod Plummer came in for the 9th and allowed 3 runs on 2 hits and then a 2-run homer by Tulsa RF Jordan Czarniecki to make it 12-6. The Wranglers went down in order in the 9th. Wimberly was 2-5 for Tulsa with his 3rd homer and 3 RBI (23) along with his 22nd SB to move to .257, Sardinha was 2-4 with his 7th homer and 3 RBI (14) to move to .244 and RP Matt Daley got the win with 2 1/3 IP of an ER on 2 hits to move to 2-4 with a 3.57 ERA.

Wichita is 11-20 and 8 games back. The series wraps up tonight. Probable starters: Tulsa righty Sam Deduno (4-5, 4.85) vs. Wichita lefty Dusty Hughes (2-2, 3.25, wish peripherals were as good). Fans at Tuesday's game donated $1,171 to a memorial fund for Mike Coolbaugh. The Rockies have sent in grief counselors to work with the Drillers. I guess the Tulsa World newspaper reported Coolbaugh died of a ruptured artery in his neck after getting hit there by the foul ball Sunday night.

A-Adv. -- Wilmington: Blue Rocks 7, Salem 4

RF McFall 4-5, 2B (23), HR (8), 5 RBI (41), RS, OF assist at first -- .253, one-man wrecking crew Tuesday
3B Lisson 2-3, BB, SF, 2B (18), 2 RBI (51), 3 RS -- .263, did chip in some to McFall
2B Maddox 2-4, S, RS -- .264
CF Duarte 1-4, BB, 2B (16), 2 RS -- .281
SS McConnell 1-4, 2B (5), 2 K, E (1) -- .265

Hardy 7 IP, 4 R (3 ER), 8 H, BB, 3 K -- W, 13-2, 2.28 ERA, FREE ROWDY!, one of 2 13-game winners in the minors
Santos 2 IP, 2 H, 2 K -- SV, 4, 3.86 ERA

Rowdy Hardy got plenty of run support from Brian McFall and the top of the Blue Rocks lineup to pick up his 13th win. McFall was on point from the start as he clubbed a 2-run double in the 1st to put the Rocks up, 2-0. Wilmington left 2 in scoring position in the 2nd and Hardy got dinged with a 3-run Salem 2nd on 4 hits and a Chris McConnell error. McFall stepped up in the 3rd, however, and hit a 2-run homer to left for his 8th of the season to make it 4-3 Rocks. Mario Lisson added a sac fly in the 7th as Hardy settled down to take advantage of 2 double plays to coast through 6 IP. The Avalanche did score off him again in the 7th on a 2-out rally of 2 hits and a walk but Hardy stranded 2 in the frame. That was the score entering the 9th when the Rocks picked up 2 insurance runs on a Lisson RBI double and McFall RBI single to make it 7-4. RP Arthur Santos stranded 1 in the 9th in picking up his 4th save. Salem DH Chris Johnson was 1-4 with his 5th double and 2 RBI (17) to move to .275 and SP Sergio Perez took the loss with 6 IP of 4 ER on 8 hits, a walk and 3 Ks to drop to 5-8 with a 3.87 ERA.

Wilmington is 20-11 and 3 games up on first. The series goes to the rubber game tonight. Probable starters: Blue Rocks righty Michael Penn (2-1, 3.34) vs. Salem southpaw Chris Salamida (6-5, 5.03).

A -- Burlington: Bees 5, West Michigan 2

C Morizio 3-4, HR (4), 2 RBI (24), RS -- .244
SS Bianchi 1-3, SF, 2 RBI (24), K -- .215
3B Thompson 2-4, 2B (21), K, RS -- .238
2B Soto 2-3, S, K, RS, CS -- .274
DH Castillo 1-4, RBI (3), RS -- .257
CF Robinson 1-4, BB, 2B (9) -- .246
LF Dickerson 1-3, BB, 2B (20), K -- .301, 17-game hit streak

Santiago 5 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 3 BB -- W, 2-7, 3.31 ERA
Cribb and Barrera 3 IP scoreless relief
Hayes IP, H, K -- SV, 9, 3.48 ERA

All the scoring for both teams came in the 3rd and 4th as the Bees earned a split with the Whitecaps. The Whitecaps took a 1-0 lead in the 3rd on 2 hits and a walk off SP Mario Santiago but the Bees responded with 2 runs in their half on a leadoff homer by Matt Morizio for his 4th of the season and a Jeff Bianchi RBI ground out. West Michigan tied it on another 2 hits and a walk off Santiago in the 4th but the Bees rapped out 3 runs in the bottom of the frame on RBI singles by Luis Castillo and Morizio and a Bianchi sac fly to make it 5-2. The bullpen took over in the 6th and pitched well. RP Chris Hayes allowed a triple in the 9th but worked around it for his 9th save. Whitecaps DH James Skelton was 2-3 with his 18th double to move to .323 and SP Lauren Gagnier got the loss with 3 2/3 IP of 5 ER on 8 hits, 2 BB and 2 Ks to drop to 4-10 with a 4.76 ERA.

Burlington is 17-14 and 3 games back. The Bees have today off.

Rookie -- Idaho Falls: Chukars 10, Missoula 3

1B Seratelli 4-4, BB, 2 2B (8), 3B (3), RBI (24), 2 RS, SB (13), E (11) -- .346
LF Koko 1-4, SF, 2B (2), 3 RBI (6), K -- .133
DH Van De Keere 3-5, 2 2B (10), RS -- .291
CF Morel 1-5, 2 RBI (11), K -- .232
RF Gonzalez 1-5, 3B (1), RBI (19), RS -- .315
C Eigsti 2-5, K, RS -- .292
3B Bionde 2-5, K, 2 RS, E (8) -- .194
2B Garcia 0-3, BB, HBP, 2 RS -- .000, Chukars debut

Chavez 5 IP, 3 R (2 ER), 4 H, 2 K, WP, E (1) -- W, 2-2, 3.10 ERA
Secott and Jensen 4 IP scoreless relief

Idaho Falls spaced out its scoring with 3 rallies to coast to the 10-3 win. The Chukars stranded a runner at third in the 1st and SP Chris Chavez gave up 2 runs on 3 hits and a wild pitch in the bottom of the inning. The Chukars put together a big rally in the 2nd with 5 runs on a 2-run double by Rubi Koko, an RBI ground out by Alvi Morel and a 2-run Osprey error on a ball hit by Devery Van De Keere. Chavez allowed another run in the 2nd and committed 1 of the 2 Chukar errors in the inning. He went on to retire 11 straight before departing for Dane Secott in the 6th. Idaho Falls stranded 2 in the 3rd but scored 3 times in the 5th on a Koko sac fly, another Osprey error (they made 4 in the game) that scored Mike Bionde and a Morel RBI single. IF polished it off with 2 runs in the 8th on an O.D. Gonzalez RBI triple and Anthony Seratelli RBI single that made it 10-3. Missoula RF Peter Clifford was 2-4 to move to .317 and SP Santo Baez had an Elarton-esque start of 1 2/3 IP of 5 runs (3 ER) on 5 hits, a walk and K to drop to 1-4 with a 5.59 ERA.

IF is 21-13 and 6 games up on first. The first half ends Sunday so the Chukars appear to have the first-half title sewn up. The series with Missoula wraps tonight as the Chukars go for the sweep. No announced starters on the team site.

Rookie -- Burlington: rainout

The finale with Princeton was rained out and will be made up in August. The 19-12 Royals will start a 2-game set at the Danville Braves (21-10) tonight. They are 2-3 versus the Braves. No announced starters on the team site.

Rookie -- AZL: Padres 5, Royals 2

SS Jose 1-3, BB, 2 RBI (11), 2 E (11) -- .196, not so good when your RBI and E match
1B Wood 2-4, 2B (11), K -- .367
CF Richardson 1-4, K, RS -- .205
3B F. Cruz 1-4, K -- .183

Farinas 2 2/3 IP, 2 R (1 ER), 2 H, 5 BB, 2 K, HRA -- 2.88 ERA
Mitchell 4 1/3 IP, 3 ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 6 K -- L, 3-1, 2.30 ERA
Van Slyke IP, H -- 0.82 ERA

A 3-run 8th got the Pads the win. After the Royals stranded 2 in the 1st, SP Williams Farinas gave up a solo homer and walked in a run in the bottom of the inning to make it 2-0 Padres. Matt Mitchell came in with the bases loaded in the 3rd and left them that way and the Royals tied the game in the 5th on a 2-run single by Lifete Jose. The Royals left 2 in scoring position in the 6th and David Wood was thrown out at the plate to end the Royals 8th. Mitchell gave up a run on 2 hits and a walk before getting pulled for Eric Van Slyke in the 8th and Van Slyke allowed 2 more runs credited to Mitchell to make it 5-2. Padres RP Yesid Salazar mowed down the Royals in the 9th for his 1st save. Padres CF Reggie Watson was 2-3 with his 1st RBI and 1st error to set a .667 BA and P Adam McDaniel went an inning for the win and gave up 2 hits to move to 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA.

The Royals are 11-16 and 9 games out. They've been eliminated from the first-half race. They were set to play the 7-19 Brewers today.

Royals on the Farm 7/23

AAA -- Omaha: Memphis 3, O-Royals 1

RF Maier 2-4, 2B (20), RBI (45), 2 K -- .300
LF Costa 2-3, BB, 2 2B (11), RS -- .368
CF Gathright 1-3, BB, K, picked off -- .342
2B Aviles 1-4, 2B (18) -- .307
DH Brazell 1-4, K -- .314
1B Shealy 1-4, K -- .200

Nunez 5 IP, 3 ER, 4 H, BB, 4 K, HRA -- L, 1-2, 2.74 ERA
Shiell 4 IP, H, 3 K -- 4.70 ERA

A rough 1st cost Leo Nunez the win as Omaha couldn't provide the starter much run support and the Redbirds averted a sweep. Nunez gave up a double and single right off the bat in the 1st to score a run and 1B Tagg Bozied added a 2-run homer to make it 3-0. Manager Mike Jirschele was ejected in the middle of the 2nd before the Royals scored their run on a Mitch Maier RBI single. Nunez stranded 2 in the 3rd and Omaha loaded the bases with 1 out in the 5th only to see Angel Berroa hit into a double play to kill the threat. Omaha stranded 2 more in the 6th but put up a threat in the 9th with runners on second and third and no outs. Maier and Paul Phillips K'd and Richie Lewis grounded out to leave the tying run at second as RP Brian Falkenborg notched his 22nd save. Memphis 2B Jarrett Hoffpauir was 2-4 with his 11th RBI to move to .333 and SP Randy Keisler got the win with 7 IP of an ER on 7 hits, 3 BB and 4 Ks to improve to 8-7 with a 4.43 ERA.

Omaha is 49-54. The O-Royals start a 4-game set at the Salt Lake Bees (53-50, AAA Angels) tonight. Probable game 1 starters: Omaha RH Billy Buckner (7-5, 4.42) vs. Salt Lake LH Jonathon Rouwenhorst (9-4, 5.16). The Bees' roster features Halos prospects P Ervin Santana (0-1, 1.29 in 1 start after recent demotion), 1B Kendry Morales (.295 BA, .697 OPS in 39 games) and OF Terry Evans (.311/.859 in 84 games).

AA -- Wichita: postponed (death of Mike Coolbaugh)

The Wranglers' opener with Tulsa will be made up in late August. The series will resume tonight. Probable starters: Tulsa lefty Franklin Morales (2-4, 3.51, 1.26 WHIP) vs. Wichita lefty Dan Christensen (2-10, 5.83). Money will be collected for Coolbaugh's family during the 7th inning stretch in Wichita in the two games with the Drillers. The Drillers have set up a memorial fund for Coolbaugh, who was a former Omaha player. Checks can be made payable to the Mike Coolbaugh Memorial Fund and sent to: Mike Coolbaugh Memorial Fund, c/o Spirit Bank, 1800 S. Baltimore Ave., Tulsa, OK 74119.

A-Adv. -- Wilmington: Salem 6, Blue Rocks 4

CF Duarte 3-5, 2B (15), RBI (24), K, RS, 2 SB (27), CS (7) -- .281
3B Lisson 2-4, RBI (49), K, SB (15) -- .260
RF McFall 2-4, 2B (22), RBI (36) -- .243
C Thibault 1-3, BB, HR (4), RBI (26), RS, CS -- .269
2B Maddox 1-5, 2 K, RS -- .260

Cortes 4 IP, 6 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 2 K, HRA, WP -- L, 2-8, 4.50 ERA
D'Amico and Haltiwanger 4 IP scoreless relief

A 5-run 3rd did the trick for Salem as Dan Cortes took another loss. Mario Lisson singled in a run in the 1st and Brian McFall did the same to give Wilmington a 2-0 lead. Jose Duarte singled home a run in the 2nd to make it 3-0 but Cortes hit big trouble in the 3rd. With 2 out and 1 run home on a bases-loaded HBP, Cortes served up a grand slam to 1B Mark Ori to make it 5-3. Another run scored on a Cortes wild pitch in the 4th to make it 6-3. After stranding 2 in the 4th, the Rocks left 2 in scoring position in the 5th but Kiel Thibault led off the 6th with his 4th homer to cut the lead to 2. The Rocks ran into several outs on the basepaths to kill a couple threats during the game. The last 7 Rocks went down in order as RP Ryan McKeller picked up his 4th save for Salem. Ori was 1-4 with his 6th homer and 4 RBI (39) to move to .265 and SP Brian Bogusevic got the win with 6 IP of 4 ER on 11 hits, 3 walks and 3 Ks to move to 9-6 with a 3.70 ERA.

Wilmington is 19-11 and 3 games up on first. The series continues today. Starters: Wilmington ace Rowdy Hardy (12-2, 2.20) vs. Salem right-hander Sergio Perez (5-7, 3.72).

A -- Burlington: Bees 3, West Michigan 1

DH Everett 2-4, RBI (37), RS -- .303
2B Soto 1-3, RBI (4), K -- .254
CF Robinson 1-4 -- .246
SS Bianchi 1-4, 2B (15), 2 K, RS -- .213
LF Dickerson 1-4, K, RS -- .301

Godin 7 IP, ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 5 K, WP -- W, 4-1, 2.20 ERA
Campbell 1 2/3 IP, BB -- 3.48 ERA
Hartsock 1/3 IP -- SV, 4, 2.93 ERA

Bees starter Jason Godin gave up 3 hits and a run in the 1st but then held the Whitecaps to 1 hit over the next 6 innings and got some run support for the win. Three hits and a walk scored a run off Godin in the 1st and he gave up a hit in the 2nd but retired 20 of 22 before handing the ball to Matt Campbell in the 8th. Brady Everett was thrown out at home to end a Bees rally in the 2nd but came back in the 4th to single home a run. Jesus Soto singled in a run and Everett scored on a West Michigan error to make it 3-1. The Bees left a runner at third in the 8th and Aaron Hartsock got the last out in the 9th for his 4th save. Whitecaps DH Joe Tucker was 2-4 with his 2nd double to move to .286 and SP Duane Below took the loss with 7 IP of 3 runs (2 ER) on 8 hits and 6 Ks to drop to 8-5 with a 3.74 ERA.

Burlington is 16-14 and 3 games back. They go for the split tonight. Probable starters: Bees RH Mario Santiago (1-7, 3.29) vs. Whitecaps RH Lauren Gagnier (4-9, 4.48). Monday's win was the first for Burlington over West Michigan since May 2005. I guess the game featured several Bees "web gems".

Rookie -- Idaho Falls: Chukars 7, Missoula 1

RF Gonzalez 3-5, 2 HR (5), 4 RBI (18), K, 2 RS -- .319, been good in Pioneer League after not doing much in MWL
LF Morel 2-5, 2 K -- .234
1B Robinson 1-4, HBP, HR (6), RBI (31), K, RS -- .358
SS Juan 1-4, BB, RBI (16), 2 K, RS, E (8) -- .236
C Balduf 0-4, BB, RBI (8), CS -- .320
CF Ortiz 1-4, BB, 2 RS, SB (5) -- .316
DH Seratelli 1-4, BB, 3B (2), K, RS, SB (12) -- .325
2B Evangelho 1-3, HBP -- .325
*IF stranded 10.

Norton 4 IP, UER, 3 H, 3 BB, 2 K, WP -- 2.42 ERA
Phillips 4 IP, H, 2 BB, 6 K -- W, 2-0, 3.28 ERA
Cassa IP, 2 K -- 4.50 ERA

Idaho Falls scored in six different innings to snap a 7-game slide. The Chukars scored a run in each of the first 3 innings on a Manni Juan RBI single, an Osprey error that scored Anthony Seratelli and a solo homer by O.D. Gonzalez for his 4th of the season for IF. Starter Ben Norton stranded the bases full in the 2nd and a Juan error in the 3rd helped Missoula score a run to cut it to 3-1. Gonzalez homered again in the 5th for his 5th of the season at Idaho Falls and 2 runs in the 6th on a Gonzalez 2-run single made it 6-1. RP Justin Phillips stranded the bases loaded again in the 8th and Clint Robinson hit a solo homer in the 9th for his 6th pro longball to make it 7-1. Phillips and Pat Cassa combined for 1 hit allowed over the last 5 innings to shut the door. Osprey RF Peter Clifford was 1-2 with his 10th double and 18th RBI to move to .310 and SP Bryan Henry took the loss with 4 1/3 IP of 4 ER on 8 hits and 3 Ks to drop to 4-1 with a 4.25 ERA.

IF is 20-13 and 6 games up on first. The series continues tonight. No announced starters on the team site.

Rookie -- Burlington: B-Royals 6, Princeton 3

LF Lough 2-4, BB, 2B (4), 2 RBI (6), RS -- .405
DH Lane 2-4, BB, 2B (7), 2 RBI (21), K, CS -- .326
CF Norris 1-4, BB, RBI (6), 3 RS, SB (16) -- .276
SS Martin 1-4, RBI (16), K -- .222
1B Amyx 1-3, BB, 2 K, RS -- .244

Paulino 4 2/3 IP, 3 R (2 ER), 3 H, 2 BB, 4 K, HRA -- 4.09 ERA
Biddle 1 1/3 IP, H, 2 K -- W, 1-0, 0.00 ERA
Hastry 2 IP, K -- 0.84 ERA
Woods IP, H, BB, K -- SV, 5, 2.55 ERA

Some late insurance runs gave the Royals some breathing room as they beat the Rays. The Rays took a 1-0 lead in the 2nd off SP Eduardo Paulino but the Royals moved ahead in the 3rd with 2 runs on back-to-back RBI doubles by David Lough and Jake Lane. Paulino gave up a solo homer in the bottom of the 3rd to tie it but Lane singled home a run in the 5th to make it 3-2 B-Royals. Paulino allowed the tying run to score in the Princeton 5th after a Royals error but Burlington regained the lead in the 6th on a Kyle Martin RBI single. Three relievers combined to stymie the Rays the rest of the way and the Royals scored 2 runs in the 9th on RBI singles by Patrick Norris and Lough to get the 6-3 win. Rays RF Justin Reynolds was 1-2 with his 3rd homer and 2 RBI (10) to move to .239 and SP Tyree Hayes took the loss with 5 2/3 IP of 4 runs (3 ER) on 6 hits, 5 walks and 3 Ks to drop to 2-3 with a 4.75 ERA.

The B-Royals are 19-12 and 2 games back. Today's finale with the Rays is being delayed by rain. No announced starters on the team site.

Rookie -- AZL: A's 7, Royals 5

1B Wood 4-4, 2 2B (10), RBI (18), 2 RS -- .362, NDFA out of Texas State
CF Richardson 1-4, BB, RBI (5), K, RS -- .203
SS Jose 1-5, RBI (9), 2 K -- .191
DH D. Cruz 1-4, RBI (12), 2 K -- .274
RF Craze 1-3, BB, RBI (12), picked off -- .246
3B F. Cruz 0-3, K -- .179
C McCauley 0-3, E (2) -- .298, 5/5 SB against, A's were 7/7 overall

Runion 3 1/3 IP, 6 ER, 10 H, 2 K, 2 WP -- L, 1-1, 7.16 ERA, rough day
Hodgson 3 IP, ER, 4 H, BB, 4 K -- 6.14 ERA
Rada 2 2/3 IP, H, BB, 2 K -- 4.50 ERA

The Royals were down, 6-1, before mounting a comeback but it wasn't enough. Starter Sam Runion suffered his 1st pro loss as the A's scored 3 runs on 5 singles in the 1st but Ian Craze got the Royals on the board with an RBI single in the 2nd. Runion gave the run back on 3 singles in the 3rd and 2 more singles and a wild pitch in the 4th brought RP Ivor Hodgson in from the bullpen. Hodgson gave up 2 more hits before getting out of the inning with the Royals down, 6-1. David Wood doubled in a run in the 6th and Diego Cruz singled home Wood to cut the lead to 6-3. Orlando Rada came in with 2 on and 1 out in the 7th and allowed a sac fly to make it 7-3. Lifete Jose singled home a run in the bottom of the frame to get the run back and Hilton Richardson singled in a run in the 9th but that was all the Royals could muster. A's 3B Carlos Arrieche was 4-5 with his 4th RBI and 3 SB (4) to move to .344, 1B Dan Wentzell was 4-4 with his 5th RBI and 3 SB (3) to move to .279 and SP Pascual Manzueta got the win with 6 IP of 3 ER on 5 hits, 2 walks and 7 Ks to move to 2-1 with a 5.40 ERA.

The Royals dropped to 11-15 and 8 games back. They played the 15-10 Pads today.

Royals on the Farm 7/22

AAA -- Omaha: O-Royals 8, Memphis 5

SS Berroa 3-4, 2B (13), HR (5), 4 RBI (33), 2 RS -- .300
CF Gathright 2-2, BB, HBP, 2B (9), RBI (22), 3 RS, 2 SB (24), CS (6) -- .342
1B Brazell 1-4, 2B (20), RBI (59) -- .315
RF Costa 3-4, 2B (9), RS, CS -- .361
2B Aviles 0-4, K -- .307
DH Shealy 1-4, RS, K -- .188
LF Lubanski 0-3, K -- .179

Wright 5 2/3 IP, 2 ER, 10 H, BB, 6 K -- 3.82 ERA
Markray 1 1/3 IP, 3 ER, 3 H, BB, K, HRA -- BS, 3, W, 5-4, 5.16 ERA
Musser 2 IP, BB -- SV, 4, 0.00 ERA

The Royals mounted an 8th inning comeback to ensure a series win over the Redbirds. SP Matt Wright didn't exactly cruise but held the Redbirds scoreless into the 6th and Omaha took a 2-0 lead in the 4th on RBI doubles by Angel Berroa and Craig Brazell. After Wright stranded the bases loaded in the 5th, the Redbirds tied the game in the 6th on 3 hits off Wright and another RBI single off Thad Markray. Joey Gathright led off the Omaha 6th with a double, stole third and scored on a Berroa single to make it 3-2 Omaha. Markray gave up a 2-out RBI double and then a 2-run homer to Memphis CF Rick Ankiel in the 7th as the Redbirds surged ahead, 5-3. Redbirds P Matt Ginter came on for the 7th and made a 2-run error to tie the game before Gathright singled home Matt Tupman and Berroa hit a 2-run homer for his 5th at AAA this season to make it 8-5. Neal Musser stranded 1 in the 9th as he picked up his 4th save. Ankiel was 2-4 with his 27th homer and 2 RBI (72) to move to .272, RF Joe Mather was 4-5 with his 11th RBI to move to .212 and Ginter took the loss with an IP of 5 UER on 4 hits and a K to drop to 2-5 with a 3.79 ERA.

Omaha dropped to 49-53. They lost to Memphis in the series finale today. Leo Nunez took the loss. Former O-Royal Mike Coolbaugh was killed last night in a AA game in Little Rock, Ark., after taking a foul ball to the head off the bat of Tulsa DH Tino Sanchez while coaching first base for the Drillers in the 9th inning of their game versus the Arkansas Travelers. The 35-year-old leaves behind a wife, two sons and another baby on the way. Omaha pitcher Sean Thompson was claimed off waivers by the Colorado Rockies Saturday, so his stay with the KC organization was less than brief at 3 games. He was DFA'd when Reggie Sanders was activated from the 60-day DL.

AA -- Wichita: Wranglers 8, Springfield 1

DH Kaaihue 3-5, 2 HR (4), 2 RBI (13), 2 RS -- .252
LF Padilla 1-4, BB, HR (4), 3 RBI (27), K, RS -- .358
CF Greenberg 2-4, BB, HR (6), 2 RBI (35), K, RS, SB (14) -- .264
RF Valentin 2-5, RS -- .300
1B Stodolka 1-5, 2B (18), 2 K, RS -- .294

Rosa 5 IP, ER, 4 H, BB, 5 K, HRA -- W, 4-6, 5.23 ERA, good start
Connolly 4 IP, 2 H, 2 K -- SV, 1, 5.63 ERA

Carlos Rosa got more than enough run support in a good outing and the Wranglers snapped their skid by taking the finale with the Cardinals. Kila Kaaihue started Wichita off with a solo homer in the 2nd for his 3rd at AA but Springfield evened the score off Rosa in the 2nd on a leadoff homer by 3B Juan Richardson. Irving Falu scored on a wild pitch in the 3rd to make it 2-1 Wichita and Kaaihue went solo again in the 4th for his 4th at AA and second of the game to make it 3-1. Rosa stranded 2 in the 4th and the Wranglers scored 3 in the 5th on a 3-run homer by Jorge Padilla for his 4th homer at AA this season. The Wranglers left the bases full in the 6th but Adam Greenberg finished the scoring in the 8th with a 2-run homer for his 6th of the season. Richardson was 3-4 for Springfield with his 14th homer and 65th RBI to move to .291 and SP Mitch Boggs took the loss with 5 1/3 IP of 6 runs (4 ER) on 6 hits, 4 walks and 6 Ks to drop to 9-5 with a 3.67 ERA.

Wichita is 11-19 and 8 games back. Tonight's game with Tulsa has been postponed because of Coolbaugh's death. The Drillers (12-16, AA Rockies) and Wranglers were set for 3 in Wichita. Wichita is 4-12 versus Tulsa. The status of the rest of the series is also up in the air.

A-Adv. -- Wilmington: Blue Rocks 6, Lynchburg 3

RF McFall 2-5, HR (7), RBI (35), K, 2 RS -- .239
CF Duarte 2-5, RBI (23), RS -- .277
SS McConnell 2-4, RBI (12) -- .266
C Thibault 1-4, 2B (13), RBI (25), RS -- .268
1B McCann 2-5, 2B (6) -- .237
DH Vega 2-4, RS -- .234

Chambliss 5 IP, ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 4 K -- W, 3-1, 4.88 ERA
Green 3 IP, ER, 4 H, BB, 2 K -- 4.25 ERA
Oliveros IP, ER, 2 H, K -- 2.89 ERA

The Blue Rocks spotted Tyler Chambliss a 5-0 lead and went on to the win and sweep of the Hillcats. The Rocks loaded the bases to start the 1st and a double play scored Jose Duarte before a Hillcats error scored Marc Maddox to make it 2-0. Chambliss stranded 2 in the 1st and Wilmington padded the lead with 3 runs in the 4th on a Kiel Thibault RBI double and RBI singles by Chris McConnell and Duarte to make it 5-0. Chambliss gave up his only run on 2 hits in the 4th but Wilmington got it back on a solo homer by Brian McFall in the 7th for his 7th of the season to make it 6-1. RP Patrick Green gave up a run in the 8th and Rayner Oliveros gave up another run in the 9th before finishing it at 6-3. Hillcats 2B Shelby Ford was 2-5 with 2 doubles (26) to move to .280 and SP Kyle Bloom took the loss with 6 IP of 5 runs (4 ER) on 10 hits, 2 walks and 2 Ks to drop to 8-8 with a 4.51 ERA.

Wilmington is 19-10 and 3 games up on first. The Blue Rocks start a 3-game set at the Salem Avalanche (12-15, A-Adv. Astros) tonight. Starters: Rocks right-hander Dan Cortes (2-7, 4.00) vs. Salem southpaw Brian Bogusevic (8-6, 3.57). Wilmington is 8-4 versus Salem.

A -- Burlington: West Michigan 5, Bees 3

3B Thompson 2-4, HR (16), RBI (46), K, RS -- .234
2B Soto 1-3, SF, RBI (3) -- .250
CF Dickerson 2-4, BB -- .302
SS Mertins 2-5, K, RS -- .264
C Howell 2-4, 2B (8) -- .244
DH Everett 0-5, 2 K, RS -- .300
*The Bees stranded 10.

Cegarra 5 1/3 IP, 2 ER, 2 H, 2 BB, 4 K -- L, 1-2, 3.51 ERA, hard loss
Teaford 2 2/3 IP, 3 ER, 3 H, 3 BB, K -- 5.55 ERA
Barrera IP, H -- 5.72 ERA

The Bees doubled up the Whitecaps in hits but the score was a very different matter as they dropped a sixth straight to West Michigan. The Bees stranded 2 in the 1st and West Michigan took the lead off Ed Cegarra in the 3rd. Cegarra left with 1 on and 1 out in the 6th and Everett Teaford gave up 3 runs in the inning on 2 doubles and a walk. The Bees cut into the lead with 2 runs in the 6th on an error that scored Kurt Mertins and a Jesus Soto sac fly but Burlington stranded 2 in the inning. The Bees stranded 2 in the 7th and West Michigan picked up a run in the 8th to make it 5-2. Mike Thompson led off the Bees 8th with his 16th homer to cut it to 5-3 but, again, the Bees stranded 2 and couldn't threaten in the 9th as Brett Jensen picked up his 19th save for the Whitecaps. West Michigan 1B Ryan Strieby was 1-3 with his 17th double and 3 RBI (56) to move to .265 and SP Jonah Nickerson got the win with 6 IP of 2 ER on 7 hits, a walk and 5 Ks to improve to 8-6 with a 4.44 ERA.

Burlington is 15-14 and 3 1/2 games back. The series continues tonight. Starters: Bees RH Jason Godin (3-1, 2.32) vs. Whitecaps LH Duane Below (8-4, 3.82).

Rookie -- Idaho Falls: Helena 7, Chukars 5

1B Seratelli 2-4, RBI (23), 2 K, SB (11) -- .328
LF Koko 2-4, 2B (1), RBI (3), K, 2 RS, E (4) -- .122
RF Gonzalez 1-3, BB, 2B (9), RBI (14), 2 RS, SB (4) -- .307
3B Van De Keere 1-4, RBI (16) -- .288
C Billick 1-3, BB, RBI (6), K, picked off -- .184
CF Ortiz 1-4, RS, OF assist at home -- .319
DH Robinson 0-4, K -- .362
SS Evangelho 0-3, E (2) -- .325

Leonard 2 2/3 IP, 7 R (5 ER), 7 H, 2 BB, 2 K -- L, 2-1, 4.99 ERA
J. Hughes 2 1/3 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, K, E (1) -- 4.43 ERA
Swaggerty 2 IP, H, BB, 3 K -- 2.25 ERA
Roach IP, nothing -- 4.70 ERA

Helena pounded John Leonard and dropped IF to its seventh straight defeat. A walk, 2 hits and a Zach Evangelho error helped the Brewers score 3 runs in the 1st and the Brewers added 3 more runs in the 2nd on 4 hits and a hit batsman to take a 6-0 lead. Helena added a run in the 3rd with a 2-out rally off Leonard and RP Joe Hughes. Rubi Koko got Idaho Falls on the board with an RBI double in the 4th and Devery Van De Keere singled him home to cut it to 7-2. Joe Billick singled home a run in the 7th to cut it to 7-3 and O.D. Gonzalez doubled home a run before Anthony Seratelli singled home a run in the 9th but the rally stopped there as the Chukars lost, 7-5. Helena CF Lee Haydel was 3-5 with his 6th double and 2 RBI (15) to move to .271 and SP Jose Garcia went 6 IP for the win with 2 ER on 4 hits, a walk and 4 Ks to improve to 5-1 with a 4.15 ERA.

IF is 19-13 and 5 games up on first. The Chukars start a 3 game set at the Missoula Osprey (14-18, Rookie D-Backs) tonight. They're 1-3 versus the Osprey. No announced starters on the team site.

Rookie -- Burlington: Danville 1, B-Royals 0

CF Lough 1-4, K -- .394
1B Lane 1-4, K -- .318
LF Norris 1-4, K, SB (15) -- .277
DH Amyx 1-4, 2 K -- .241
RF Tucker 0-4, K -- .288

Gausman 5 IP, ER, 6 H, K, WP -- L, 1-2, 3.80 ERA
Caldera 3 IP, H, BB, 4 K -- 4.32 ERA

The Braves made a 1st inning run stick in a pitchers' duel. The Braves scored that run on 2 hits, a wild pitch and sac fly off SP Brian Gausman and the Royals only allowed 5 hits and a walk thereafter. The Royals stranded 2 in the 3rd but were otherwise stifled by Braves SP Jeff Locke. They loaded the bases off RP Jaye Chapman with 2 out in the 7th but Yeldrys Molina struck out to end the inning. The B-Royals couldn't get it tied as Chapman notched his 1st save. Braves 1B Ernesto Mejia was 1-3 with his 8th double and 24th RBI to move to .339 and Locke picked up the win with 6 IP of 4 hits and 6 Ks to move to 3-1 with a 3.68 ERA.

The B-Royals are 18-12 and 2 1/2 games back. They start a 2-game set at the Princeton Rays (16-15) tonight. They are 2-0 versus the Rays. Eduardo Paulino started for Burlington.

Rookie -- AZL: Giants 6, Royals 0

DH Wood 2-4, 2B (8) -- .333
CF Richardson 1-4, K -- .200
2B Donovan 1-4 -- .330
3B F. Cruz 0-4, K -- .187

Hodge 4 IP, 3 ER, 7 H, BB, 5 K, HRA, E (2) -- L, 1-3, 2.96 ERA
Sirrett 2 2/3 IP, 3 ER, 3 H, 2 BB, 4 K, HRA, WP -- 9.00 ERA
J. Sanchez 2 1/3 IP, H, 3 K -- 14.29 ERA

A pair of 3 run homers helped the Giants shut out the Royals. Starter Mitch Hodge gave up a 3-run homer in the 2nd to give the Giants the lead and Giants SP Oliver Odle was perfect through 4 IP. Onassis Sirrett came in to pitch the 5th for the Royals and also gave up a 3-run homer to the same batter, DH Andrew D'alessio, to make it 6-0. The Royals were being shut out on 2 hits when Daniel Turpen came in to pitch the 7th for the Giants. Turpen stranded 2 in both the 8th and 9th in getting his 1st save. D'alessio was 2-4 with 2 HR (6) and 6 RBI (22) to move to .274 and Odle got the win with 6 IP of 2 hits and 6 Ks to improve to 3-1 with a 1.90 ERA.

The Royals dropped to 11-14. They lost to the A's today.