Royals on the Farm 8/29

This is what the Royals' season has done....people are pining for the days of Allard Baird as GM and John Buck behind the plate. Now, I'm as disillusioned as anybody when it comes to the Royals, but let's not forget how bad the Royals were under Baird's watch. David Glass, who probably shouldn't trust Dayton Moore with his money but does, didn't even have enough confidence in Baird to let him run the team. I don't think that's a random thing. Glass knows Baird, I don't. The sad thing is that Moore makes Baird look better than he was. The simple fact is, neither knew what they were doing in putting together an MLB team. Both did some parts of their job well, and both colossally screwed up other parts. Neither should be an MLB GM at this point. Of course, some of the problem is the fact Moore can't seem to get over himself enough to admit failure. You know what they say about excuses, Dayton. And John Buck? He of the lifetime .297 OBP and 82 OPS+? Who's never driven in or scored more than 50 runs in a season? The guy with the 9 % caught stealing percentage this season? Neither he nor Miguel Olivo should be a starting catcher in MLB, which all falls back on Moore. Brayan Pena has hit, but can't play adequate D from what I've seen and read. And let's not forget who pulled off that wizardlike Carlos Beltran deal....it wasn't Moore.

Fantasy football anyone? Still spots to fill. Hit me with an e-mail or comment with your e-mail....

AAA - Omaha: New Orleans 6, O-Royals 0 (4-hitter)

1B Ka'aihue 0-3, BB -- .257
DH Aldridge 0-3, BB, K -- .304
SS Lisson 1-3, 2 K, E (16) -- .232
that's how exciting the O-Royals' offense was Saturday

O'Connor 5 IP, 6 R (5 ER), 9 H, BB, 2 K -- L, 1-3, 6.17 ERA, next year's #5 starter in KC if Moore has his way....just kidding
de la Vara 2 IP, 6 BB, K, WP -- 0.00 ERA, wow, 6 BB, plate's over there
Hamulack 2 IP, 2 H, K -- 5.31 ERA

*** The O-Royals made Zephyrs starter Clay Hensley look like an ace as he pitched a complete-game 4-hit shutout. The Royals had 1 hit after the 2nd. Hensley retired 15 in a row at one point.

The O-Royals are 58-77. The long series wraps today with Lenny DiNardo (10-5, 3.27) facing momentary former Royal righty Brian Lawrence (6-4, 4.94). Alex Gordon is getting a couple days off.

AA - NW Arkansas: Naturals 13, Tulsa 2

3B Lucas 3-3, BB, HBP, 2B (19), HR (9), 2 RBI (49), 3 RS -- .298
CF Dyson 3-6, 2B (7), RS -- .280
C Howell 2-4, SF, 3 RBI (23), 2 K, RS -- .270
3B Maddox 2-5, HR (3), 3 RBI (16), RS -- .193
1B C. Smith 2-5, 2 RBI (81), RS -- .250, on Moustakas' heels for organization RBI lead
LF Lough 2-5, 2 RS -- .330
SS Bianchi 1-3, SF, RBI (38), RS -- .311
DH Mertins 1-5, BB, 3B (7), RBI (53), K, 2 RS -- .281
* NWA stranded 10.

B. Johnson 5 1/3 IP, ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 4 K, WP, balk, E (3) -- W, 8-8, 4.67 ERA
J. Bannister 1 2/3 IP, H, 2 K -- 5.68 ERA
B. Wood 2 IP, ER, 3 H, 2 BB, 2 K -- 5.54 ERA

*** The Naturals put on a flurry of scoring from the 2nd through the 5th and coasted to the win to regain sole possession of first place in the TL North. A Jeff Howell sac fly and run-scoring Tulsa error gave NWA a 2-0 lead in the 2nd and the Naturals padded the lead with 5 in the 3rd on an Ed Lucas solo homer (his 9th), Howell RBI single and 3-run blast by Marc Maddox (his 3rd) to make it 7-0. Kurt Mertins hit an RBI triple in the 4th and scored on a Jeff Bianchi sac fly with Howell adding a 2-out RBI single to make it 10-0. Blake Johnson finally allowed a run in the 5th but the Naturals finished their scoring in the bottom of the frame on a Lucas RBI single and 2-run Corey Smith single. Blake Wood allowed a run in the 8th but that was it.

The Naturals are 33-28 and a game up on first. Game 2 with the Drillers is today as Everett Teaford (3-7, 5.91) faces Tulsa righty Chaz Roe (7-3, 3.27), who has beaten the Nats twice in his last 10 starts. According to the game report, both David Lough and Jeff Bianchi turned in very nice defensive plays in Saturday's win.

A-Adv. - Wilmington: Salem 4, Blue Rocks 3

CF D. Robinson 2-5, 2B (19), RBI (47), K, RS, 2 SB (68) -- .245
3B Moustakas 1-3, BB, HR (16), RBI (85), RS, SB (10) -- .254
2B Giavotella 1-5, RBI (46) -- .254
1B C. Robinson 1-4, K -- .293
RF Van Stratten 1-3, BB, K -- .291

Paulino 7 IP, 3 ER, 9 H, 3 K, balk -- 3.69 ERA
Villa 1 1/3 IP, ER, 2 H, 5 BB, 2 K, WP -- L, 6-8, 3.66 ERA, lotsa walks for Kelvin Saturday

*** Salem rallied to tie it in the 6th and won in the 9th. Mike Moustakas pounded his 16th homer of the season in the 1st to spot the Rocks the lead and Derrick Robinson added an RBI single in the 3rd. Johnny Giavotella singled home a run in the 5th and Eduardo Paulino had labored but had a shutout going in the 5th. Salem scratched out a run in the 5th then tied it at 3 on 4 singles in the 6th. Both teams left the bases loaded in the 8th and manager Brian Rupp had Villa intentionally walk 2 batters to load the bases in the 9th before a walkoff single ended it.

The Blue Rocks are 40-22 and 3 games up on first. The series comes to a close this evening as Danny Duffy (9-3, 3.21) faces Red Sox righty Dave McKae (2-6, 4.78). If Moustakas reaches 90 RBI, he would be only the 3rd Blue Rock ever to do so in a season. That's a nice accomplishment. OF Luis Del Rosario has been added to the roster from rookie Burlington.

A - Burlington: Beloit 5, Bees 2

CF Norris 2-3, BB, K, CS (9), OF assist at first -- .249
RF Ortiz 2-4, K, SB (7) -- .248
1B D. Wood 2-4, 2B (23), RS -- .276
DH Griffin 1-4, RBI (23) -- .294
C Bonilla 0-3, SF, RBI (36) -- .217
3B Taylor 0-3, BB, RS -- .253
SS R. Wood 0-1 -- .244, left in 5th with injured groin
LF H. Richardson 0-4, 2 K -- .000, Bees debut, OF full of Moore Specials, speedy guys who can't hit very well, hopefully Richardson proves an exception

Runion 5 IP, 5 ER, 7 H, BB, 2 K, HRA -- L, 4-11, 6.91 ERA, BP continues, now allowed 189 hits in 127 2/3 IP, .347 OAV!!!! Basically guys turn into Tony Gwynn when they step to the plate against him.
R. Pena 3 IP, H, 2 BB, 4 K -- 4.91 ERA

*** The Bees were being shutout on 5 hits going into the 9th as the Snappers continued to have Burlington's number. Sam Runion gave up 5 runs combined in the 3rd and 4th. The Bees got only a Shawn Griffin RBI single and Jose Bonilla sac fly in the 9th before stranding 2.

The Bees are 30-30 and 7 1/2 games back but still 3 games up on a playoff spot. The teams will make up Friday's rainout with a doubleheader today. Tim Melville (6-7, 3.93) and Mike Lehmann (5-5, 5.69) are set to pitch for Burlington. Lefty Winston Marquez (0-1, 2.77) will start game 1 for Beloit. Don't see an announced starter for game 2.

Rookie - Idaho Falls: Orem 3, Chukars 0

LF Stovall 2-4, 2B (9), K, E (7) -- .299, has fielding problems no matter where he plays
C S. Perez 2-4, PB (5) -- .312
2B Franco 2-4, CS (7) -- .268, 13-game hit streak has hiked BA
DH W. Myers 1-3, HBP, 2B (2) -- .389
CF Llanos 0-4, 3 K -- .200
SS D. Batista 0-4, 3 K -- .274
1B Lewis 1-3, K -- .293

Paukovits 5 IP, 2 ER, 7 H, 7 K, HRA, WP -- L, 2-3, 4.96 ERA
Morgan 2 1/3 IP, UER, H, 2 BB, 2 K -- 5.48 ERA
Hodge 1 2/3 IP, H, BB, K -- 5.48 ERA

*** The Chukars outhit the Owlz, 10-9, but Orem got a shutout out of the deal. Orem scored single runs in 3 separate innings and the Chukars stranded 2 in the 3rd, left the bases full in the 7th and had a couple baserunners caught stealing along the way.

The Chukars are 15-10 and 7 games back now. Orem goes for the sweep today as Santiago Garrido (1-3, 5.77) faces Owlz lefty Patrick Corbin (3-1, 5.05).

Rookie - Burlington: Greeneville 5, B-Royals 2 (comp. of Friday game)

LF Del Rosario 2-4, K, RS -- .271, jump to Wilmington is big, but we'll see how it goes, he was only person in Burlington lineup hitting better than .239
2B Tschepikow 1-4, HR (2), 2 RBI (10), RS -- .209, expected more here
SS Espinal 1-4, 2 K, E (22) -- .235
* RF Geulin Beltre had an OF assist at first.

Hentges 4 IP, 3 R (2 ER), 5 H, 3 BB, K -- L, 0-3, 5.31 ERA
Fortuna 5 IP, 2 ER, 3 H, BB, 5 K, HRA -- 4.09 ERA

*** The game picked up in the 5th with a 2-0 Astros lead and Burlington wouldn't get on the board until the 9th. Carlos Fortuna allowed another run in the 5th when play resumed and then gave up a 2-run homer in the 8th to make it 5-0. Burlington had a baserunner in each of the first 5 innings but made nothing of the chances. The only runs came on a Ben Tschepikow 2-run homer (his 2nd as a pro) in the 9th.

Greeneville 2, B-Royals 0 (1-hitter, 7/reg. Sat. game)

2B Tschepikow 1-3, K -- .214
SS Espinal 0-2, S, 2 E (24) -- .233
LF Del Rosario 0-3, 2 K -- .268
C F. Cruz 0-3, K -- .274, has had solid, if unremarkable, season

Billo 5 IP, 2 UER, 3 H, BB, 4 K, 2 WP -- L, 2-2, 1.81 ERA
B. Richardson 2 IP, 4 H -- 3.96 ERA

*** Burlington's offensive woes continued as it appears the Royals have packed them away for the winter early. The Astros scored both their runs in the 4th thanks to a 2-run error by Yowill Espinal. The Royals were threatened with a truncated no-hitter going into the 7th but a 1-out Ben Tschepikow single spoiled that wish. Astros SP Jose Cisnero allowed only 2 walks with 5 Ks over 6 IP to get the win.

The B-Royals are 22-43. The season mercifully comes to an end with the last series starting today at the Bluefield Orioles (32-33). The O's send righty Jesse Beal (5-4, 4.28) to the mound versus an unnamed Royals SP. The Royals are assured no better than a tie for the worst record in the league. They are 3-3 versus the O's this season.

Rookie - AZL: done at 20-35

OPS check (leaving out the rehab guys)

>OF Alex Llanos .833 OPS -- .311*/.366*/.467*, 25 RS, 6 2B, 2 3B, 3 HR*, 16 RBI, 10 BB/35 K, 15/20 SB, 2 E in 31 G/122 ABs -- nice to see from Alex, but performance hasn't continued at IF
>1B Geoff Baldwin .750 OPS -- .251/.347/.404, 25 RS, 7 2B, 5 3B*, 3 HR*, 21 RBI, 21 BB*/59 K*, 3/4 SB, 12 E in 48 G/171 ABs -- nice pro debut, too bad ended with a swoon (.164 BA/.544 OPS in 19 August games), showed potential, though, will he be in Burlington (rookie) next season?
>IF Luis Piterson .728 OPS -- .311*/.361/.367, 28 RS*, 8 2B*, 3B, 16 RBI, 13 BB/34 K, 11/14 SB, 6 E in 47 G/177 ABs -- fairly consistent performer, just turned 19 in June, expect to see in rookie ball again in 2010
>C Mauricio Matos .706 OPS -- .300/.320/.386, 6 RS, 4 2B, 3B, 12 RBI, 2 BB/13 K, 1/1 SB, 3 E in 22 G/70 ABs -- nice step forward from last year, should be at IF maybe in 2010?
>3B Yunior Figueroa .683 OPS -- .271/.312/.372, 27 RS, 7 2B, 2 3B, 3 HR*, 28 RBI*, 11 BB/27 K, 3/6 SB, 11 E in 49 G*/199 ABs* -- showed flashes, he'll be back in rookie ball

now skipping around....
>shoulda stuck DH Ryan Stovall in there at .690 -- .235/.290/.400, 12 RS, 5 2B, 3 HR, 15 RBI, 7 BB/29 K, 6/8 SB, 9 E in 22 G/85 ABs -- defense was bad, started off on fire but showed he can hit....now where to play him? Has chance maybe to be in A-ball to start 2010, I'd bet
>OF Juan Polonia .677 OPS -- 18/25 SB led team, had couple good games down stretch
>OF Anthony Howard .656 OPS -- .191/.315/.340 in pro debut, 5 2B, tied Polonia for second on team with 16 BB, 11/13 SB, apparently another Moore Special, but at least he can take a walk
> IF Justin Trapp .638 OPS -- .262/.329/.310, 18 RS, 4 2B, 11 BB/36 K, 12/16 SB, 16 E* -- middling pro debut, didn't show much pop, but hit somewhat consistently before going for a .197 BA/.486 OPS in August
> OF Lane Adams .630 OPS -- .233/.339/.291, 18 RS, 2 3B, 16 BB/32 K, 14/15 SB -- can take a walk, didn't show much else, other than maybe good SB instincts
>OF Chanse Cooper .620 OPS -- .214/.405/.214, 7 BB/12 K, 9/10 SB -- see Adams comment

WHIP check

> RP Jack Adams 0.89 WHIP -- 1-1, 1.69 ERA, 3 SV*, HRA, 3 BB/21 K in 15 G*/21 1/3 IP -- .205 OAV, nice pro debut for NDFA, maybe has shot at Bees' pen or higher rookie league in 2010
> RP Lee Roberts 1.13 WHIP -- 1-0, 1.35, 1 SV, 2 BB/14 K in 9 G/13 1/3 IP -- another NDFA who made good, but he moved up
> RP Claudio Bavera 1.21 WHIP -- 4*-0, 0.44*, 2 SV, 11 BB/21 K in 15 G*/20 2/3 IP -- .192 OAV, only problem was walks, another Bees' pen candidate?
> RP Josh Worrell 1.35 WHIP -- 0-3, 4.05, 6 BB/25 K in 12 G/13 1/3 IP -- K rate was great, also K/BB ratio, should see higher rookie league in 2010
>RP Starling De La Rosa 1.42 WHIP -- 1-0, 6.11, 1 SV, 8 BB/26 K in 12 G/17 2/3 IP -- good K rate, not much else, allowed 17 H, so about a hit per inning

others...

>P Luis Ortega 1.45 -- 0-2, 4.47, 3 HRA, 6 BB/39 K in 13 G/48 1/3 IP -- started 5 games, first somewhat regular starter we've hit, allowed 64 hits for .312 OAV
> P Ezequiel Amador 1.50 -- 1-3, 6.39, 5 HRA, 18 BB/41 K in 13 G/50 2/3 IP -- started 6 games, allowed 58 hits, hit 12 batters to easily lead team in that stat, little wild
> P Brian Peacock 1.51 -- 0-5*, 4.93, 6 HRA*, 8 BB/34 K in 11 G/38 1/3 IP -- started 9 games, K rate wasn't bad, allowed 50 hits, tho, for .318 OAV
> P Willian Avinazar 1.63 -- 4*-5*, 6.43, 6 HRA*, 22 BB/59 K in 14 G/56 IP -- started 9 games, pretty raw looking numbers
> P Leonel Santiago 1.66 -- 1-3, 5.40, 3 HRA, 16 BB/66 K* in 13 G/58 1/3 IP* -- started 10 games, allowed 81 hits, so also had problem with that, K rate was great, tho, also raw numbers
> P Eric Diaz 1.91 -- 2-1, 7.20, 3 HRA, 23 BB/40 K in 14 G/35 IP -- other than K rate, not favorable pro debut
> P Robinson Yambati 2.01 -- 2-3, 8.89, 1 SV, 3 HRA, 14 BB/18 K in 12 G/27 1/3 IP -- raw raw raw
> P Jonathon Keck 2.04 -- 1-1, 9.00, 14 BB/24 K in 12 G/24 IP -- had his problems, but good K rate

Royals on the Farm 8/28

Giving Dayton Moore an extension after the steaming pile this season has been is another nail in the coffin for my Royal fanhood, if they do it.

Gotta put out another reminder about fantasy football, I know people are reading, but nobody is getting involved here. Gimme your e-mail and I'll shoot you an invite. Nothing to lose here....

Keeping it short today, off to a late start...

AAA - Omaha: New Orleans 4, O-Royals 3

1B Thorman 3-5, RS -- .283
CF Raines 2-4, HR (7), 2 RBI (23), RS -- .236
RF Falu 2-5, 2 K -- .271
DH Aldridge 1-4, BB, RBI (64), 2 K -- .307, has earned Sept. call-up, I bet he doesn't get it
3B Gordon 0-4, BB, 3 K -- .265, drawing walks, but not hitting
SS Lisson 1-5, 2B (19), 2 K, SB (7) -- .231, watch him get a call-up when he has no business getting one
* Omaha stranded 14.

Nicoll 4 IP, 3 ER, 6 H, 3 BB, 4 K, HRA -- 8.36 ERA, 83 pitches
Chavez 4 IP, ER, 3 H, 3 K, HRA, WP -- L, 0-2, 2.45 ERA
Marte IP, H, 2 K -- 2.35 ERA

*** Chris Nicoll got battered somewhat but it was an 8th inning solo homer that gave the Zephyrs the win off Chris Chavez.

The O-Royals are 58-76. Game 5 is tonight as Mike O'Connor (1-2, 5.70) faces New Orleans righty Clay Hensley (7-4, 4.05). Kila Ka'aihue is day-to-day after colliding with a baserunner at first Thursday and hurting his arm.

AA - NW Arkansas: Naturals 3, Springfield 2 (7/G1)

2B Lucas 2-3, 2B (18), RBI (47), K, RS -- .295
LF Dyson 2-3, RS, 3 SB (32), CS (6) -- .273, better SB threat than D. Robinson
SS Bianchi 1-3, 2 K -- .311
CF Lough 0-3, RS -- .326

R. Hardy 6 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, BB, 2 K, 2 HRA -- W, 4-3, 2.75 ERA
Abreu IP, H, BB, K -- SV, 4, 4.40 ERA

*** The Naturals rallied in the 6th to get a comeback win. Ed Lucas hit an RBI double in the 1st but the Cardinals took a 2-1 lead into the 6th. A bases-loaded balk by RP Eduardo Sanchez tied the game and a 2-out wild pitch allowed David Lough to score the go-ahead run. Juan Abreu stranded 2 in the 7th for his 4th save.

Naturals 5, Springfield 2 (7/G2)

SS Bianchi 1-3, HR (4), 3 RBI (37), RS -- .311, HR was big
1B C. Smith 1-2, BB, RBI (79), K, RS -- .249
DH Howell 1-3, 2B (9), RBI (20) -- .264
CF Dyson 1-3, K -- .274
LF Lough 1-2, BB, 2B (11), RS, SB (12) -- .328

Lerew 6 IP, ER, 7 H, 4 K -- W, 9-6, 4.19 ERA, has pitched well of late
Hartsock IP, ER, 2 H, K -- 3.15 ERA

*** Jeff Bianchi's 3-run blast keyed a 5-run 6th as that inning was magic for NWA again in the nightcap. The Cards scored a run in the 1st and starter Nick Additon was cruising with a 2-hit shutout with 1 on and 1 out in the 6th when Kurt Mertins doubled and Bianchi launched his 3-run longball for his 4th of the season to give NWA the lead. Corey Smith and Jeff Howell added 2-out RBI and Aaron Hartsock allowed a run in the 7th but closed the door.

The Naturals are 32-28 and now back in a first-place tie with Tulsa. That makes the 3-game final home series of the season with the Drillers (32-28, AA Rockies) crucial as it begins tonight. Blake Johnson (7-8, 4.81) will face Tulsa lefty Brandon Durden (7-2, 2.79) in game 1. After this set, the Naturals finish the season with 7 road games. NWA is 10-12 versus the Drillers.

A-Adv. - Wilmington: Blue Rocks 3, Salem 0 (7/G1)

LF Orlando 2-3, RBI (34), 2 SB (19) -- .262
3B Moustakas 1-3, 2B (29), RBI (84), RS -- .255
RF Van Stratten 1-3, RBI (11), RS -- .288, after slow start, has adjusted well to Advanced A ball
CF D. Robinson 1-4, K -- .243
2B Giavotella 1-4, 2B (23), K, RS -- .255
1B C. Robinson 1-3, K -- .296

Gutierrez 6 IP, 6 H, 2 BB, 4 K -- W, 1-0, 1.65 ERA
Sisk IP, 2 K -- SV, 19, 2.04 ERA

*** Danny Gutierrez held the Red Sox in check and Brandon Sisk finished off the game 1 shutout. All 3 Rocks runs came in a 4th inning rally.

Salem 1, Blue Rocks 0 (7/G2)

DH Fontaine 2-2, BB -- .317
CF D. Robinson 1-3, picked off -- .243
2B Giavotella 1-3, CS (9) -- .255
3B Moustakas 0-2, BB, K -- .254
1B C. Robinson 0-3, K -- .294
RF Van Stratten 1-3, E (2), OF assists at second and home -- .289

Santiago 6 IP, UER, 5 H, 2 BB, 2 K, WP -- L, 6-13, 4.30 ERA, hard loss to take

*** The Rocks managed only 5 hits, all singles, stranded 2 a few times, had a couple baserunners cut down, and couldn't string anything together in taking the shutout loss.

The Rocks are 40-21 and 3 games up on first. Game 3 with the Sox is tonight as Eduardo Paulino (9-6, 3.68) faces Salem righty Kyle Weiland (6-9, 3.49).

A - Burlington: rainout

The Bees are 30-29 and 6 1/2 games out of first but 4 games up on a playoff spot. The rainout with Beloit will be made up Sunday. The series will instead start tonight with Sam Runion (4-10, 6.82) taking on Snappers righty Brad Tippett (8-7, 3.16).

Rookie - Idaho Falls: Orem 6, Chukars 4

1B Lewis 2-4, RBI (6) -- .289
C W. Myers 2-3, BB, 2 RS, PB (2) -- .400
SS Alfaro 2-4, CS (5) -- .241
2B Franco 2-5, RS -- .264
RF Aparicio 1-3, BB, 2B (13), RBI (17), K -- .218
DH S. Perez 0-3, SF, RBI (30) -- .308
CF Llanos 0-5, 2 K -- .209
3B Stovall 1-3, BB, RS, E (6) -- .289
LF Pickett 0-4, K, E -- .000

Dwyer 2 IP, UER, H, 3 BB, 3 K -- 2.45 ERA, kept on short pitch count
Arias 3 IP, 3 R (2 ER), 3 H, 4 BB, 4 K -- 4.46 ERA
Halliman 3 IP, 3 H, BB -- 6.27 ERA, and even that ERA # is markedly improved from last year
Shimek 0 IP, 2 ER, H, BB -- 9.22 ERA
Folmer IP, H, BB, 2 K -- 4.78 ERA

*** The Owlz took a 4-1 lead, saw Idaho Falls tie it in the 8th, then came back to win in the 9th. A Joey Lewis RBI single in the 2nd tied the game at 1 but the Chukars were down, 4-1, in the 8th when Salvador Perez hit a sac fly, a 2-out error scored a run and Julio Aparicio hit an RBI double to tie the game. Scott Shimek allowed the first 2 Owls to get in scoring position in the 9th and Richard Folmer allowed a 2-run double to seal IF's fate as the Chukars went down in order in the 9th.

Idaho Falls is 15-9 and 6 games back. Game 2 is tonight as Bryan Paukovits (2-2, 5.13) faces Owlz righty Garrett Richards (2-1, 1.91).

Rookie - Burlington: suspended by rain in 5th

The B-Royals are 22-41. The game with Greeneville is being completed tonight before the regularly scheduled game, which will be shortened. Greg Billo (2-1, 1.99) will start the regular game versus Astros righty Jose Cisnero (3-2, 3.99).

Rookie - AZL: Royals 11, Rangers 9

CF Polonia 3-4, BB, HR (2), 2 RBI (18), RS, 4 SB (18), CS (7), OF assist at second -- .225, little bit of everything from Juan on Friday
LF S. Cabrera 3-5, 2 2B (5), 3 RBI (17), K, 3 RS -- .220
DH G. Baldwin 2-3, HBP, BB, 2 RS -- .251, nice way for Geoff to end first pro season
2B-SS A. Martinez 2-5, RBI (20), 2 K, 2 RS -- .220
SS Trapp 0-1, BB, SF, RBI (19), K, SB (12), E (16) -- .262
2B Henriquez 1-3, 2B (2), RBI (3), K -- .267
3B Piterson 1-4, SF, RBI (16), 2 K, RS -- .311
C E. Escobar 0-5, RBI (9), K, RS, PB (10), 2 pickoffs -- .266
RF Howard 1-4, BB, 2B (5), K, RS -- .191

L. Santiago 6 IP, 6 R (4 ER), 12 H, 9 K, HRA, pickoff -- W, 1-3, 5.40 ERA
Yambati 3 IP, 3 UER, 3 H, 2 BB, 4 K, HRA, WP -- SV, 1, 8.89 ERA

*** The Royals scored in every inning from the 2nd through the 7th and held off the Rangers in the 9th to end the season on a positive note. The Rangers scored twice in the 1st but the Royals answered with 4 in the 2nd on an Adrian Martinez RBI single, run-scoring error and sac flies by Luis Piterson and Justin Trapp. The Rangers tied it in their half but the Royals scored 3 in the 3rd on a 2-run Santos Cabrera double and Juan Polonia RBI single. Again the Rangers scored 2 to cut the lead to 1 but the Royals added single runs in the 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th on a Geoff Baldwin single that scored a run thanks to an error, an Edwin Henriquez RBI groundout, a Cabrera RBI double and Polonia's 2nd homer of the season. Robinson Yambati gave up 3 runs in the 9th including a 2-run homer, but got out of the inning with the victory intact.

The Royals finished the season 10-17 in the second half and a league-worst 20-35 overall. More on the team tomorrow....

Royals on the Farm 8/27 -- Myers can hit

I've backed off the fantasy FB draft until Tuesday night....still 8 open spots for blog readers/Royals fans, before I have to go hunting people down. Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Send me your e-mail address or put it in a comment so I can get the league filled...

AAA - Omaha: O-Royals 3, New Orleans 2 (11, comp. of July 3 game)

LF Thorman 3-6, HR (15), 2 RBI (34), K, RS -- .300, totals from July 3
SS-3B Lisson 1-5, RBI (15), 3 K -- .242
DH Gordon 1-3, 3 BB, RS -- .333, OBP is healthy at .500
1B Ka'aihue 1-5, K -- .263
* Omaha stranded 13.

Phillips 5 IP, 2 H, BB, 4 K -- 6.54 ERA
Atencio 1/3 IP, ER, H, BB, WP -- BS, 4, has since been released
Hamulack 2 2/3 IP, 4 H, K, WP -- 6.29 ERA
Yabuta 1 1/3 IP, UER, H, BB, 2 K -- 3.81 ERA, has since been recalled to KC
Hughes 2/3 IP, K -- 4.21 ERA
Rosa IP, K -- W, 1-6, 5.67 ERA

*** Play picked up in the 11th where it left off when suspended July 3 and the Royals made short work of the walkoff win. Mario Lisson had singled home a run in the 4th but Greg Atencio had given up the tying run in the 6th and the game went to extras. New Orleans took the lead in the 10th but Scott Thorman blasted a game-tying homer in the bottom of the 10th for his 15th of the season before play was suspended. Play resumed Thursday and Carlos Rosa pitched a perfect 11th. The Royals loaded the bases off P Matt DeSalvo with 2 out in the 11th and Thorman came through with a walkoff single to end it. DeSalvo took the loss with an ER in 2/3 IP to fall to 0-1 with a 13.50 ERA. Rick VandenHurk had made the start and allowed an ER over 6 IP to lower his ERA to 3.03. 3B Gaby Sanchez had 3 hits in the game for the Zephyrs.

O-Royals 7, New Orleans 3 (reg. Thu. game)

SS Lisson 2-4, 2B (18), 3 RBI (37), K -- .231
C House 2-3, BB, 2 RBI (48), RS -- .251
3B Gordon 2-5, 2B (2), 3 K, RS, E (4) -- .300
DH Aldridge 2-4, 3B (4), K, RS -- .307
CF Raines 2-4, 2B (9), K, RS -- .232
2B Falu 1-5, RBI (40) -- .270
LF Thorman 1-4, 2B (15), RBI (55), RS -- .279
1B Ka'aihue 0-3, BB, K, RS, E (4) -- .259

Phillips 6 IP, ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 8 K, E, 2 pickoffs -- W, 7-7, 5.20 ERA
Godin 2 1/3 IP, 2 ER, 6 H, BB, 4 K -- 4.26 ERA
Hamulack 2/3 IP, nothing -- SV, 1, 5.49 ERA

*** Heath Phillips and Rick VandenHurk squared off again in the regularly scheduled Thursday game, 56 days after they made the start in the game that finished earlier in the night. Phillips was on his game again, but VandenHurk, not so much, as the Royals rolled to the win to even their record with the Zephyrs for second-worst in the PCL. Phillips allowed his only ER on 2 doubles in the 1st but Omaha took the lead in the 2nd as Cory Aldridge tripled and scored on a J.R. House single and Mario Lisson singled home a run. House hit an RBI single in the 3rd and Phillips faced little further resistance from New Orleans. Irving Falu hit an RBI single in the 6th and the Royals padded the lead with 3 in the 7th on a Scott Thorman RBI double and 2-run Lisson double. Jason Godin and Tim Hamulack gave up 2 runs in the 9th but finished off the win. VandenHurk allowed 4 ER over 6 IP to fall to 5-2 with a 2.87 ERA. RF Jai Miller and C Brett Hayes had 2 hits.

The O-Royals are 58-75. Game 4 of the 6-game marathon is tonight as Chris Nicoll (1-1, 9.00) faces Zephyrs righty Hayden Penn (2-4, 4.42). IF Tug Hulett has been named to the U.S. World Cup team set to play in the International Baseball Federation tourney next month in Germany. Lefty Ray Liotta was put on the DL.

AA - NW Arkansas: rainout

The Naturals are 30-28 and 1 1/2 games back. The rainout will be made up as part of a doubleheader tonight. The Naturals won game 1, 3-2, in support of Rowdy Hardy. The game 2 starters are incorrect on the team site, it appears.

A-Adv. - Wilmington: Blue Rocks 7, Lynchburg 2

CF D. Robinson 2-4, BB, 2 RS -- .243
SS Seratelli 2-4, K, 2 RS -- .281
3B Moustakas 1-4, 2 RBI (83), 2 K -- .254
1B C. Robinson 1-4, 2B (27), 2 RBI (54), RS, SB (4) -- .295
2B Giavotella 1-5, RBI (45), K, RS, SB (24) -- .255
RF Van Stratten 1-3, BB, 2B (6), RBI (10), RS -- .287
LF Orlando 0-4, RBI (33) -- .259

Caldera 8 IP, H, 3 BB, 2 K -- W, 5-10, 5.16 ERA, very nice
Z. Peterson IP, 2 ER, 2 H, HRA -- 2.38 ERA

*** Alex Caldera gave a 1-hit shutout to the bullpen in the 9th but the Rocks had to settle for a 7-2 win. Johnny Giavotella hit an RBI single in the 3rd and Mike Moustakas added a 2-run single to make it 3-0. Paulo Orlando hit an RBI groundout in the 4th before Clint Robinson hit a 2-run double in the 5th and was in turn doubled home by Nick Van Stratten to make it 7-0. Caldera lost his no-hit bid with 1 out in the 7th and Zach Peterson gave up a 2-out, 2-run homer in the 9th to spoil the shutout. Lynchburg SP Justin Wilson allowed 4 ER over 4 IP to fall to 6-8 with a 4.50 ERA. 1B Matt Hague had the HR (7) and 2 RBI (48).

The Rocks are 40-20 and 3 games up on first. A 3-day, 4-game set with the Salem Red Sox (27-32) starts with a doubleheader tonight as Danny Gutierrez (0-0, 2.11) and Mario Santiago (6-12, 4.50) face Salem righty Seth Garrison (8-10, 3.60) and lefty Jose Capellan (5-3, 6.88). The Rocks are 12-4 versus the Sox. The Rocks won game 1 in a 3-0 shutout. IF Josh Johnson has been returned down to Wilmington.

A - Burlington: rainout

The Bees are 30-29 and 7 games back but 4 games up on a playoff spot. The finale with Wisconsin will not be made up. A 4-game set at the Beloit Snappers (25-35, A Twins) was to start tonight but has been rained out. It will be made up as part of a Sunday twinbill. The Bees are 2-9 versus the Snappers. Nick Francis was suspended for a second positive test for a "drug of abuse" -- so he's gone for 50 games. OF Hilton Richardson has gotten called up from Idaho Falls to take Francis' place.

Rookie - Idaho Falls: Chukars 9, Ogden 8 (10)

DH W. Myers 2-3, 2 BB, 3B, HR, 4 RBI, K, 2 RS -- .333, I like
C S. Perez 3-5, 2B (12), 3B (2), RBI (29), K, 3 RS -- .313
2B Franco 2-4, 2 RS, SB (16) -- .260
RF Aparicio 1-4, HR (4), RBI (16), 3 K, RS -- .216
CF Llanos 1-4, BB, 3 K -- .222
3B Stovall 1-5, 2 K -- .287
LF Pickett 0-4, 2 K -- .000, IF debut

Marimon 4 2/3 IP, 5 ER, 10 H, 2 BB, 4 K, HRA, 2 WP -- 6.56 ERA
Lafferty 4 1/3 IP, 3 ER, 7 H, BB, 6 K, WP -- 2.91 ERA
Keating IP, BB, 2 K -- W, 4-1, 1.93 ERA

*** In a see-saw game, Ogden tied it in the 8th and Idaho Falls won it in 10. Sugar Ray Marimon left the bases full of Raptors in the 2nd and Ogden grabbed the lead in the 3rd. Wil Myers turned that around with 1 swing of the bat in the 4th as his 3-run homer (his 1st with Idaho Falls) made it 3-1 Chukars. Marimon couldn't hold the lead, tho, as Ogden scored 4 in the 5th to make it 5-3 Raptors. Salvador Perez and Myers hit back-to-back RBI triples in the 6th and Myers scored on a throwing error on his three-bagger to give IF the lead. Two batters later, Julio Aparicio hit his 4th homer of the season to make it 7-5 Idaho Falls. This time, Brendan Lafferty couldn't hold the lead as Ogden scored 2 in the 7th. A run-scoring wild pitch gave the Chukars back the lead but Ogden tied it off Lafferty in the 8th. Ogden stranded 2 in the 9th and, in the Idaho Falls 10th, Perez led off with a double and, after Myers was intentionally walked, a Ryan Stovall bunt single was mishandled by the first baseman and Perez scored the winning run. RP Nick Gaudi allowed an unearned run over 2 IP to fall to 2-2 with a 2.38 ERA. Starter Brett Wallach allowed 3 ER over 4 IP but K'd 9 as his ERA shifted to 4.81. Six Ogden batters had multiple hits with CF Brian Cavazos-Galvez driving in 3 RBI (55) and C Gorman Erickson hitting his 4th homer to drive in 2 (32).

The Chukars are 15-8 and 5 games back. A key 3-game set with the first-place Orem Owlz (20-3, Rookie Angels) starts tonight as Chris Dwyer (0-0, 5.40) makes his 2nd pro start versus Orem lefty Tyler Kehrer (3-2, 4.29). Lefty Aneidy Toribio and OF Carlo Testa have been shut down for the season with injuries -- Toribio with his throwing elbow and Testa with a dislocated pinky finger.

Rookie - Burlington: Greeneville 4, B-Royals 1

SS Espinal 1-3, HBP, HR (7), RBI (22), K, RS, 3 E (21) -- .235, continues with hot bat, iron glove
LF Del Rosario 1-3, BB, K -- .267
2B Tschepikow 1-4, K, E (2) -- .206

Hayenga 5 2/3 IP, 4 R (2 ER), 7 H, BB, K, HRA -- L, 3-7, 3.88 ERA
D. De La Cruz 3 1/3 IP, H, K -- 3.47 ERA

*** Burlington once again had more errors (5) than hits (4) as the Astros took the series opener. Yowill Espinal provided the Royals' only offense with a solo homer in the 1st for his 7th of the season. An error helped Greeneville to a run in the 2nd, then Greeneville took the lead with 2 in the 4th, then 3 errors in the 5th helped the 'Stros score 2 to make it 4-1. The Royals didn't threaten again. Astros SP Angel Gonzalez worked 6 IP of an ER allowed with 5 Ks to improve to 4-4 with a 7.95 ERA. RP Joan Belliard worked 3 hitless IP with 4 K to get his 1st save. 3B Jonathan Meyer had 2 hits and 2 RS for the Astros. He also had his 14th error, 3rd HR and 26th RBI.

The Royals are 22-41. Game 2 with the 'Stros was to be tonight but has been suspended by rain. It will be made up Saturday before the regularly scheduled game. RP Claudio Bavera has been added for the last few games from the AZL, where he pitched well.

Rookie - AZL: Padres 7, Royals 2

SS Trapp 2-5, K -- .264
3B Figueroa 2-4, 2B (7) -- .271
RF Cooper 2-3, BB, K, RS, SB (9), CS -- .214
2B Piterson 1-5, RBI (15) -- .312
C Matos 0-1, SF, RBI (12) -- .300
1B G. Baldwin 1-4, K, SB (3) -- .244
LF Howard 0-3, BB, K, RS, SB (11), E (4) -- .189

Peacock 5 IP, 3 ER, 6 H, BB, 5 K, 2 HRA -- L, 0-5, 4.93 ERA
L. Ortega 4 IP, 4 R (3 ER), 4 H, BB, 5 K -- 4.47 ERA

*** The Padres dealt the Royals another loss. Brian Peacock gave up a 2-run homer in the 1st and a solo shot in the 2nd as the Royals never recovered. Mauricio Matos hit a sac fly in the 2nd and the 3-1 score held into the 7th when the Padres added a run, then added 3 in the 8th off Luis Ortega. Luis Piterson hit an RBI groundout in the 9th to account for the Royals' other run. Starter Deiber Sanchez allowed an ER over 5 IP to move to 4-2 with a 3.00 ERA. Two Padres had 2 hits and 2 had 2 RBI.

The 9-17 Royals complete their season tonight versus the 11-15 Rangers.

Royals on the Farm 8/26 -- Nick Francis suspended in Burlington

STILL NEED FANTASY FOOTBALL PLAYERS....I set up a 12-team ESPN Fantasy Football league. Draft 1 p.m. CT on Aug. 29, it's a live online draft. Pretty deep rosters, including defensive players. Either comment with your e-mail address or e-mail me at kennethlassiter@yahoo.com with your e-mail and I'll send you an invite. It's free by the way. NEED 8 MORE.

This post on Royals Authority puts it rather well, I think.


AAA - Omaha: New Orleans 4, O-Royals 2

RF Hulett 3-5, 2B (25) -- .292
DH Aldridge 1-4, HR (21), RBI (63), K, RS -- .306
SS Hernandez 1-4, RBI (21), K -- .284
3B Gordon 0-2, 3 BB -- .280
1B Ka'aihue 0-2, 2 BB, RS -- .261
* Omaha stranded 10. CF Tim Raines Jr. had an OF assist at second.

Hughes 6 IP, 2 H, 5 BB, 9 K -- 3.74 ERA, has worked well in rotation
Hayes 3 IP, 4 ER, 7 H, 2 K, HRA -- BS, 5, L, 1-6, 4.78 ERA

*** Chris Hayes continued his AAA struggles with his 5th blown save as former Royal farmhand Gookie Dawkins hit a 3-run blast in the 9th. Luis Hernandez hit an RBI single in the 2nd and Dusty Hughes took a no-hitter into the 5th. He stranded the bases loaded on walks in the 3rd and after Omaha stranded 2 in the 3rd, he left the bases full again in the 4th. Dawkins broke up the no-hit bid with a 5th inning single. Omaha stranded 2 in the 5th and 6th and Hayes gave up 3 2-out singles in the 7th to tie the game, including the game-tying hit from Dawkins. Cory Aldridge led off the Omaha 8th with his 21st homer of the season but Hayes wouldn't hold the lead. He gave up 2 1-out singles in the 9th, then Dawkins' blast for his 5th of the season. RP Luis Ayala pitched the 9th for his 4th save for New Orleans. RP Chris Mobley allowed an ER over 3 IP to move to 3-2 with a 3.64 ERA. Starter William Glen allowed an ER over 5 IP to drop his ERA to 6.41. Dawkins had 3 hits and all 4 RBI (25) for the Zephyrs. Two others, including former Royal farmhand Dave Matranga, had 2 hits. Matranga also made his 6th error. CF Cameron Maybin was 0-5 with 2 K to drop to .319 but did have an assist at second.

The O-Royals are 56-75. Game 2 is tonight as Omaha hasn't announced the starter (as of 11:20 a.m. CT) to face Zephyrs righty Rick VandenHurk (5-1, 2.52). Actually, they're playing 2 tonight as they're completing the suspended game from July 3 before the regular game. It was tied at 2 going into the 11th.

AA - NW Arkansas: Naturals 8, Springfield 7

LF Lough 3-5, HR (9), RBI (29), 2 K, RS -- .332
CF Dyson 3-5, 2B (6), 2 RS -- .267
RF Duarte 2-4, HR (3), 2 RBI (38), 2 RS -- .255
3B Lucas 2-3, 2 BB, HR (8), RBI (46), K, 2 RS -- .291
SS Bianchi 1-5, 2B (14), 2 RBI (34), K, 2 E (6) -- .310
DH V. Wilson 1-4, BB, RBI (29), K -- .285
C Howell 1-4, BB, GW RBI (19), K, E (6) -- .263
* NWA stranded 11.

Kniginyzky 3 1/3 IP, 4 ER, 4 H, 4 BB, K, HRA, WP -- 5.39 ERA, might be time to see what he can do out of pen
Swaggerty 2 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, BB -- 3.86 ERA
Hartsock 3 2/3 IP, ER, H, K, HRA -- W, 3-1, 3.02 ERA

*** The Naturals both lost a 4-run lead and came back from a 2-run deficit to snap a 7-game skid. Jarrod Dyson doubled and scored on a Jeff Bianchi groundout in the 1st and more damage came via the longball in the 2nd as David Lough led off with his 9th homer and Jose Duarte cranked a 2-run shot for his 3rd of the season to make it 4-0 Naturals. Matt Kniginyzky gave up 4 runs, however, in the 3rd as 1B Andrew Brown slammed a 3-run shot (his 8th) to tie the game. Ed Lucas gave NWA back the lead with his 8th homer of the season in the bottom of the inning. Ben Swaggerty gave up the tying run on 3 hits in the 5th and Aaron Hartsock allowed the go-ahead sac fly in the 6th as Springfield took a 6-5 lead. Brown led off the 7th with his 2nd homer of the game and 9th of the season to make it 7-5 Cards. The Nats came back off RP Ryan Kulik in the 7th as Bianchi hit an RBI double and Vance Wilson took a bases-loaded walk before the bases were left loaded. The score was still tied with the bases loaded and 1 out in the NWA 9th when Jeff Howell hit a walkoff single. RP Francisco Samuel took the loss with an ER allowed over 2/3 IP to fall to 3-4 with a 5.66 ERA. Starter Scott Gorgen allowed 5 ER with 6 K over 6 IP to move his ERA to 5.28. Three Cards had multiple hits, as Brown had 3 hits, including the 2 HR, and 4 RBI (32) with 2 RS to move to .276. C Steven Hill drove in 2 (61).

The Naturals are 30-28 and 2 games back. Game 3 is tonight as Rowdy Hardy (3-3, 2.72) takes on Cards righty Brandon Dickson (8-9, 3.56).

A-Adv. - Wilmington: Blue Rocks 5, Lynchburg 3 (11)

1B C. Robinson 3-4, BB, 2 RS -- .296
3B Moustakas 2-5, 2B (28), 2 RBI (81), E (24) -- .254
LF Orlando 2-5, 2 RBI (32), SB (17), CS (5) -- .262
DH Walton 2-5, 2B (8), RBI (31), K, RS -- .246
CF D. Robinson 1-5, K, RS -- .241
2B Giavotella 1-4, S, K -- .255
RF Van Stratten 1-5 -- .286

Montgomery 6 IP, 2 ER, 6 H -- 2.75 ERA
Coleman IP, H, K -- 0.00 ERA
Bowden 3 IP, ER, 2 H, BB, 5 K, 2 WP -- BS, 1, W, 2-0, 4.15 ERA
Villa IP, 3 K -- SV, 2, 3.60 ERA, dominant save

*** Paulo Orlando had the big hit in the 11th to get the Rocks their 5th straight win. Mike Montgomery stranded 2 in the 2nd but allowed a run in the 3rd before Jamar Walton hit an RBI double to tie it in the 4th. Two doubles gave Lynchburg the go-ahead run in the 6th but Mike Moustakas came through with a 2-run single in the 8th to give Wilmington a 3-2 lead. Barry Bowden blew the lead in the 8th with a bases-loaded wild pitch but got out of the jam. With 2 in scoring position and 2 out in the 11th, Orlando laced a single to center to bring 2 runs home. Kelvin Villa struck out the side in the bottom of the frame for his 2nd save. RP Moises Robles allowed the 2 ER in an IP to fall to 0-2 with a 4.76 ERA. Starter Jeff Locke allowed an ER over 6 IP to lower his ERA to 4.85. 1B Matt Hague and C Kris Watts had 2 hits for the Hillcats.

The Rocks are 38-20 and still 2 1/2 games up on first. They go for the sweep tonight as Alex Caldera (4-10, 5.51) faces Lynchburg lefty Justin Wilson (6-7, 4.33).

A - Burlington: Bees 2, Wisconsin 1

CF Norris 1-3, BB, RBI (21), SB (42), picked off -- .245
RF Ortiz 0-4, 2 K -- .241
1B Taylor 1-4, K, SB (12) -- .257
LF Griffin 0-1, 2 BB, picked off -- .295
C Bonilla 0-3 -- .219
3B Morales 0-3, K -- .310
SS R. Wood 1-3, K, RS, SB -- .247

Baez 6 IP, ER, 6 H, BB, 7 K -- 3.57 ERA
Pena Jr. 2 IP, BB, 3 K -- 4.15 ERA, OK, so maybe "I've seen enough" was premature
Thompson IP, 2 K -- W, 5-3, 2.73 ERA

*** An error brought the game to an end in the 9th. Patrick Norris hit a 2-out RBI single in the 3rd to give the Bees the lead but was thrown out at second on the play. Manauris Baez left the bases full in the 5th but gave up the tying run on 2 hits in the 6th as he didn't get much run support. David Wood hit a 2-out double in the 9th and 3B Jose Duran made a crucial throwing error on a ball hit by Jason Taylor to allow Wood to score the winning run. RP Nick Tyson took the loss with the unearned run allowed over 1 2/3 IP to fall to 4-4 with a 3.06 ERA. Starter Trey Watten allowed an ER over 7 IP to lower his ERA to 4.58. Five Rattlers had a hit each.

The Bees are 30-29 and 6 1/2 games out but 4 games up on a playoff spot. The Bees go for the big sweep tonight as Ivor Hodgson (3-1, 4.50) faces Rattlers lefty Dan Meadows (13-6, 4.03). The big news in Burlington is the fact OF Nick Francis has been suspended and placed on the restricted list. He was sent home, or at least isn't with the team anymore. Manager Jim Gabella didn't get into details.

Rookie - Idaho Falls: Chukars 7, Ogden 6

1B Espinosa 2-3, BB, 3 RS -- .262
2B Franco 1-4, BB, 2B (5), 2 RBI (22), RS -- .256
SS Alfaro 1-4, 3B (2), 2 RBI (19), K, RS -- .236
DH S. Perez 1-4, RBI (28) -- .305
RF Llanos 1-3, S, 2B (3), RBI (7) -- .221
CF H. Richardson 0-3, 2 BB, K, RS -- .313
C W. Myers 1-4, 2B, RS, PB, error, picked off runner -- .222
3B Stovall 1-4, K -- .293

Lamb 4 1/3 IP, 5 ER, 6 H, BB, 5 K, HRA, E (5) -- 3.13 ERA
Hodge 2 2/3 IP, UER, 3 H, BB, 2 K -- 5.91 ERA
Folmer 2 IP, H, BB, 3 K -- W, 1-1, 4.97 ERA

*** It must have been the night for walk-offs in the organization as Idaho Falls won in the bottom of the 9th. IF stranded 2 in the 1st but got a 2-out RBI double from Alex Llanos in the 2nd to take the early lead. John Lamb pitched well until giving up a solo homer to RF Brian Cavazos-Galvez (his 14th) in the 4th and then Lamb gave up 4 runs in the 5th on 4 hits, a walk and Lamb error before Mitch Hodge got the last 2 outs. Angel Franco got a Chukar rally started in the 4th with an RBI double followed by a 2-run J.D. Alfaro triple, a Salvador Perez RBI groundout and, after a Wil Myers double, a go-ahead run on an Ogden error to make it 6-5 Idaho Falls. Ogden stranded 2 in the 6th but finally got to Hodge for a run in the 7th thanks in part to Myers' first pro error. Myers picked off a runner at first in the 8th and, with 1 out and 2 on in the 9th, Franco hit a bunt up the first base line and Tito Espinosa scored from second on the play to end it. RP Daigoro Rondon allowed the ER over 2/3 IP to fall to 3-4 with a 4.12 ERA. Starter Luis Vasquez worked 4 1/3 IP of 5 runs (3 ER) allowed to move his ERA to 5.10. Three Raptors had 2 hits, including 3B Brian Ruggiano, who had his 11th double and 30th RBI and scored twice to move to .380. He also made his 8th error.

IF is 14-8 and 6 games back, as Orem is 20-2. They go for the sweep tonight with Sugar Ray Marimon (2-3, 6.21) facing an unnamed Raptors SP.

Rookie - Burlington: B-Royals 4, Danville 3

DH F. Cruz 2-4, RS -- .279
SS Espinal 1-3, BB, 2 RBI (21), K, 2 SB (19) -- .234, has been productive of late
RF G. Beltre 1-3, BB, 2B (13), RBI (27), K -- .233
CF Pickett 0-3, HBP, RBI (9), SB (23) -- .259
LF Del Rosario 0-4, 2 K -- .266
2B Tschepikow 1-4, 3B, RS -- .203

L. Perez 6 IP, ER, 3 H, BB, 6 K, 2 pickoffs, 2 WP -- W, 2-5, 4.06 ERA
Cuevas 2 IP, ER, 2 H, K -- 6.56 ERA
Sirrett IP, ER, 3 H, BB, K -- SV, 4, 3.98 ERA

*** The Royals finally broke the Braves' hold on them to avoid losing an 11th straight to Danville and deal Appalachian League Pitcher of the Year SP Matt Crim his first loss of the season. Ben Tschepikow led off the Royals 2nd with his 1st pro triple and scored on a Geulin Beltre groundout to give the Royals the lead. Danville scratched out the tying run on 2 hits in the 5th but Burlington answered with 3 on a bases-loaded HBP of Jovan Pickett and 2-run Yowill Espinal single. Gary Cuevas allowed a run in the 7th but stranded 2 in the 8th. Onassis Sirrett loaded the bases with 0 out in the 9th but allowed only an RBI single before getting a DP to end it. Crim allowed 4 ER over 5 IP to fall to 10-1 with a 2.96 ERA. 2B Matt Weaver had 2 hits and 2 RBI (16) with his 4th SB to move to .326 and 1B Riann Spanjer-Furstenburg had 2 hits and his 51st RBI to move to .362.

The Royals are 22-40 and have won 3 in a row. The last home set, a 3-gamer with the Greeneville Astros (23-38), starts tonight with Keaton Hayenga (3-6, 3.95) facing 'Stros lefty Angel Gonzalez (3-4, 8.86). The Royals are 2-1 versus the Astros. OF Jovan Pickett has been called up to Idaho Falls.

Rookie - AZL: Dodgers 2, Royals 1 (1-hitter, completion of Aug. 21 game)

3B Figueroa 1-3 -- .264
SS Trapp 0-4, RBI (16), K, 2 E (14) -- .274
1B G. Baldwin 0-3, 2 K -- .256
DH L. Adams 0-3, K -- .219
RF Cooper 0-2, BB, K, RS, SB (7) -- .174

B. Wood 2 IP, H, 2 K -- 0.00 ERA
Yambati 4 1/3 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, K, 2 WP -- L, 2-3, 9.99 ERA
J. Adams 1 2/3 IP, H, 2 K, WP -- 1.69 ERA

*** The Dodgers got 2 runs in the 7th to beat the punchless Royals. Chanse Cooper walked to leadoff the 3rd, stole second and advanced on a groundout before scoring on a Justin Trapp groundout to give the Royals a 1-0 lead. Robinson Yambati stranded 2 in the 4th and the 1-0 lead held until the 7th. A triple scored the tying run to chase Yambati and Jack Adams gave up threw a run-scoring wild pitch to account for the Dodgers' 2nd run. The last 21 Royals went down in order as RP Beyker Fructuoso worked 3 perfect innings to win and move to 1-4 with a 6.18 ERA. Starter Bolivar Medina allowed an ER on a hit and walk with 8 Ks over 6 IP to lower his ERA to 2.13. IF Garett Green had 3 hits and LF Austin King had 2 hits and his 4th SB for the Dodgers.

Royals 6, Dodgers 5 (7/reg. Wed. game)

3B Figueroa 3-4, 2 RBI (28), RS -- .267
2B Piterson 3-3, BB, 2 RS, SB (11) -- .315
DH Trapp 2-4, 2B (4), 2 RBI (18), K, RS -- .258
LF Shortell 1-3, RBI -- .182
RF S. Cabrera 1-3, RBI (14) -- .202
1B G. Baldwin 0-3, RS -- .244

E. Diaz 5 IP, 5 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 3 K, HRA -- W, 2-1, 7.20 ERA
Bavera 2 IP, H, BB, 4 K -- SV, 2, 0.44 ERA

*** A 5-run rally in the 5th got the Royals the win. Eric Diaz was nicked for 3 runs in the 1st on 3 hits and a walk and CF Melvin Ray hit his 2nd homer of the season for a solo shot in the 2nd to make it 4-0. The Royals got a 2-out RBI single from Yunior Figueroa in the 3rd before stranding 2. The Dodgers stranded 2 in the 4th but added a run to their lead in the 5th to make it 5-1. Justin Trapp hit a 2-run double to get the scoring started in the Royals 5th and Figueroa followed with an RBI single as Eric Shortell and Santos Cabrera added RBI singles to give the Royals the lead. Claudio Bavera followed with 2 solid innings of relief to pick up his 2nd save. Dodgers SP Bolivar Medina allowed 6 runs (5 ER) over 4 1/3 IP to fall to 3-2 with a 2.89 ERA. Ray was the only Dodger with 2 hits but RF Jonathan Garcia drove in 2 runs (21).

The 9-16 Royals play the 13-13 Padres tonight as it is the next-to-last game on the schedule.

Royals on the Farm 8/25 -- Myers makes IF debut

First thing is, I NEED FANTASY FOOTBALL PLAYERS....I set up a 12-team ESPN Fantasy Football league. Draft 1 p.m. CT on Aug. 29, it's a live online draft. Pretty deep rosters, including defensive players. Either comment with your e-mail address or e-mail me at kennethlassiter@yahoo.com with your e-mail and I'll send you an invite. It's free by the way. I need 11 other people to do this, don't be scared. I know you're reading. I'm running out of time to fill it. I enjoy fantasy football even more than I enjoy fantasy baseball...even if you can't be there, it'll autodraft for you. You've got nothing to lose, it's free! Don't make me beg...

What else can be said about Zack Greinke's pitching last night? It'll be a shame that the team didn't get him more wins if he doesn't win the Cy Young Award, because that's the only stat holding him back. He can't do anything about his run support. Then today it's back to Billy and the noodlebats. I can't believe this team is gonna go from a winning April to likely 100 losses.

AAA - Omaha: O-Royals 1, Oklahoma City 0 (4-hitter)

RF Falu 2-3, BB -- .270
LF Thorman 2-3, K -- .277
C House 1-3, HR (9), RBI (46), RS, E (5) -- .248
3B Gordon 0-2, BB, 2 E (3) -- .304
DH Aldridge 1-3, 2 K -- .307
1B Ka'aihue 0-3, K -- .263
SS Lisson 0-3, E (15) -- .228

DiNardo 8 1/3 IP, 4 H, 3 BB, 7 K -- W, 10-5, 3.27 ERA, been involved in 6 of 17 Omaha shutouts
Rosa 2/3 IP, K -- SV, 7, 4.88 ERA, been involved in 5 of 'em

*** The O-Royals took over sole possession of second place in season shutouts in team annals with only 1972's 19 above them, as Lenny DiNardo and Carlos Rosa combined on the 4-hit blanking of the RedHawks. The only run of the game came on a J.R. House solo homer (his 9th) in the 2nd. DiNardo struck out the side in the 4th, stranded 2 in the 5th, and stranded 2 in the 8th before Rosa stranded 2 in the 9th for his 7th save. OKC starter Luis Mendoza went the distance with an ER allowed over 8 IP to fall to 6-6 with a 4.17 ERA. Four RedHawks had a hit. 1B Justin Smoak was 1-4 with a K to move to .240.

The O-Royals are 56-74, meaning with their 17th shutout win 30.3 percent of their wins have come that way. A 5-day, 6-game home set with the New Orleans Zephyrs (57-72, AAA Marlins) starts tonight with Dusty Hughes (2-3, 4.05) facing Zephyrs righty Willie Glen (1-2, 7.98). Omaha is 4-6 versus the Zephyrs.

AA - NW Arkansas: Springfield 5, Naturals 1

CF Dyson 2-3, BB, 2B (5), RS, CS (5) -- .259
SS Bianchi 1-4, RBI (32), 3 K -- .313
LF Lough 0-4, K -- .324
2B Mertins 0-2, BB, HBP -- .283

Teaford 5 IP, 3 ER, 5 H, 4 K, 2 HRA -- L, 3-7, 5.91 ERA
Castaneda 4 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, BB, 3 K, HRA -- 3.10 ERA

*** Everett Teaford got little run support and giving up 2 longballs didn't help his cause as Springfield dealt NWA another loss. Jarrod Dyson doubled and scored on a Jeff Bianchi single in the 1st but the Nats would only have 2 more hits in the game. Teaford gave up a 2-run homer in the 2nd and a solo homer in the 3rd and the Cards added 2 late runs off Federico Castaneda. NWA stranded 2 in the 5th and didn't threaten again. Cards SP Lance Lynn allowed an ER over 6 IP to improve to 11-4 with a 2.92 ERA. Three Cardinals had 2 hits.

NWA is 29-28 and 2 games back while losing 7 straight. Game 2 of the set is tonight as Matt Kniginyzky (5-9, 5.24) faces Cardinals righty Scott Gorgen (3-4, 4.93). RP Aaron Hartsock was just making a momentary appearance in Omaha as he was sent back down to AA and RP Gilbert de la Vara was called up to AAA despite an ERA near 6 at NWA. RP Chad Orvella was activated from the DL. OF David Lough, SS Jeff Bianchi and lefty Ben Swaggerty will play in the Arizona Fall League along with 3B Mike Moustakas and righty Danny Gutierrez from Wilmington on the Surprise Rafters. Two other Royals reps haven't been named yet. Aaron Crow is expected to be one, if they get him signed.

A-Adv. - Wilmington: Blue Rocks 4, Lynchburg 2

CF D. Robinson 2-4, BB, 3B (4), HR (5), 2 RBI (46), RS, CS (20), E (5) -- .241
2B Giavotella 2-4, BB, 2B (22), HR (5), RS -- .255
1B C. Robinson 1-4, HR (12), RBI (52), K, RS, E (7) -- .291
3B Moustakas 1-3, BB -- .253
RF Van Stratten 0-3, HBP -- .290

Duffy 6 IP, 2 ER, 8 H, BB, K, pickoff, WP -- W, 9-3, 3.21 ERA
Z. Peterson 2 IP, 2 H, 2 K -- 1.91 ERA
Sisk IP, BB, K -- SV, 18, 2.08 ERA

*** Derrick Robinson continued his August surge as a 2-run homer in the 7th was the difference in the Rocks' victory. Johnny Giavotella hit a 1-out solo homer in the 1st for his 5th of the season but Danny Duffy labored in the 1st to allow Lynchburg to tie it. The Hillcats took the lead in the 3rd as Duffy never got settled in, but Clint Robinson hammered his 12th homer of the season to tie it in the 4th. Derrick Robinson was caught stealing second in the 5th and it was costly as Giavotella followed with a double. With 2 out and 1 on in the 7th, Robinson redeemed himself with the 2-run homer for his 5th of the season (and the month of August). Brandon Sisk closed it out for his 18th save. Hillcats RP Nathan Adcock allowed 2 ER over 4 IP to fall to 3-1 with a 3.50 ERA. Starter Ron Uviedo worked 5 IP of 2 ER allowed to move his ERA to 3.53. Four Hillcats had 2 hits.

The Rocks are 37-20 and 2 1/2 games up on first. Game 2 is tonight as Mike Montgomery (2-1, 2.70) faces Hillcats lefty Jeff Locke (4-8, 5.04). Wilmington manager Brian Rupp will manage the Surprise Rafters, which will include the Royals' prospects, in the AFL. Eric Hosmer has left the team to undergo Lasik surgery. He could rejoin the team for the playoffs or late in the regular season.

A - Burlington: Bees 2, Wisconsin 1 (comp. of suspended July 7 game)

2B D. Wood 2-2 -- .250
CF Norris 1-4, 3B, RS -- .233, I think season totals are based on July 7 stats
2B F. Garcia 1-2, RBI (16) -- .288
RF Francis 1-4, picked off -- .278
3B Taylor 0-3 -- .290
DH Bonilla 0-3 -- .230
SS Rivera 1-2, HR, RBI (7), RS -- .247

Lehmann 5 IP, ER, 2 H, 2 BB, 5 K -- 3.77 ERA
J. Garcia 4 IP, 3 H, 2 K -- W, 3-5, 4.19 ERA

*** Patrick Norris hit a clutch triple in the 8th to help the Bees get the win a month-and-a-half after the game started. The game was suspended July 7 tied at 1 in the 6th as Wisconsin had scored a run off Mike Lehmann in the 2nd and the Bees tied it in the 3rd on Juan Rivera's first homer of the season. When play resumed Tuesday, Rivera was on the DL. Norris hit a 1-out triple in the 8th and scored on a Fernando Garcia single as Justin Garcia finished the win with 4 scoreless innings of work. RP Efrain Nieves took the loss with an ER allowed in 3 IP to fall to 2-6 with a 6.64 ERA. Five Rattlers had a hit each.

Burlington 12, Wisconsin 6 (reg. Tue. game)

SS R. Wood 3-4, HBP, 2 HR, 5 RBI (9), 2 RS -- .243, best game as a pro
LF Ortiz 3-5, 2 RS, SB (6), OF assist at home -- .248
3B Morales 2-5, 2B (4), 3 RBI (9), 2 RS -- .333
RF Francis 2-4, BB, 2B (24), HR (16), RBI (66), 2 K, 2 RS -- .275
1B D. Wood 1-4, BB, 2B (21), RBI (61), 2 K, RS -- .274
CF Norris 1-6, K, OF assist at third -- .244
DH Griffin 0-2, 3 BB, 3 RS -- .297
C Bonilla 0-3, BB, S -- .221
* The Bees stranded 10.

Lehmann 5 IP, 3 ER, 6 H, 3 BB, K, WP -- W, 5-5, 5.69 ERA
R. Pena 2 IP, 3 ER, 4 H, 2 BB, K -- 5.35 ERA
C. White 2 IP, H, 2 K -- 2.92 ERA

*** Technically, Mike Lehmann started both games Tuesday, the starts just came 49 days apart. The Bees' offense churned out run after run in support of Lehmann to drill the Rattlers, 12-6. Lehmann had an ugly 1st as Wisconsin scored 3 runs on 5 hits before Adrian Ortiz gunned down a runner at the plate to end the rally. A 2-run error got the Bees on the board in the 1st and they tied it in the 2nd on Ryan Wood's 1st professional homer. Nick Francis doubled and scored on an error in the 3rd and Wood slammed his 2nd homer of the game for a 3-run shot to make it 7-3. Francis came back up in the 4th and cranked his 16th homer of the season as Jason Morales added an RBI single to make it 9-3. David Wood hit an RBI double in the 5th before Riquy Pena allowed 3 late runs. Burlington polished it off with 2 in the 8th on a Morales RBI double and Ryan Wood RBI single. Rattlers SP R.J. Seidel took the loss with 7 runs (4 ER) allowed over 3 IP to fall to 1-3 with a 7.16 ERA. Two Rattlers had 2 hits.

The Bees are en fuego at 29-29 and 6 1/2 games back. They've won 5 in a row and are 3 1/2 games up on a playoff spot over Clinton and Quad Cities. Game 4 with the Timber Rattlers is tonight as Manauris Baez (7-5, 3.68) faces Wisconsin righty Trey Watten (5-13, 4.77).

Rookie - Idaho Falls: Chukars 8, Ogden 5

CF H. Richardson 3-4, BB, K, RS, SB (20), picked off twice, E (4) -- .319, not the best night on the basepaths
SS Alfaro 2-5, 2B (13), RBI (17), K, 2 RS, SB (6) -- .236
1B Espinosa 2-4, BB, RBI (20), K -- .255
2B Franco 2-5, 2 RS, SB (15) -- .256
LF Aparicio 2-4, 3B (2), RBI (15), K, RS -- .221
3B Stovall 1-3, BB, 2B (8), 2 RBI (8), 2 RS -- .296
C Lewis 1-4, RBI (5), 2 K -- .265
DH W. Myers 1-5, K -- .200, Idaho Falls debut
RF Llanos 0-4 -- .216

Garrido 3 IP, 5 ER, 9 H, 2 BB, 4 K, 3 WP -- 5.77 ERA
Kelley 4 1/3 IP, 3 H, 6 K -- W, 1-0, 0.00 ERA, has been good as pro, picks up first pro win
Keating 1 2/3 IP, H, BB, 2 K, WP -- SV, 8, 2.00 ERA, ditto

*** The Raptors got all 5 of their runs in the 1st and it was all Chukars thereafter. Santiago Garrido withstood the 5-run barrage in the 1st and the Chukars immediately retaliated with 3 runs in the 1st on a J.D. Alfaro RBI single, run-scoring passed ball and run-scoring Ogden error. IF stranded 2 in the 3rd but tied it in the 5th on a Ryan Stovall RBI double and Joey Lewis RBI single. Scott Kelley and Patrick Keating pitched 6 innings of scoreless relief and the Chukars took the lead for good on a Julio Aparicio RBI triple in the 7th. Aparicio scored on a wild pitch and Tito Espinosa hit an RBI single in the 8th to finish the scoring. RP Eric Thompson allowed 2 ER over 2 1/3 IP to fall to 1-1 with a 5.40 ERA. Starter Edwin Contreras allowed 5 ER over 4 2/3 IP to move his ERA to 4.18. Four Raptors had multiple hits led by 3 hits from 1B Clay Calfee.

The Chukars are 13-8 and 6 games back. Game 2 is tonight as John Lamb (3-1, 2.18) tries to make it 3 great starts in a row versus an unnamed Ogden starter.

Rookie - Burlington: B-Royals 2, Princeton 1

SS Espinal 2-4, 2B (7), HR (6), 2 RBI (19), K, RS -- .232
CF Pickett 2-4, 3B (2), RS -- .264
LF Del Rosario 0-3, BB, K -- .271
2B Tschepikow 0-4, K -- .200

Sample 6 IP, 2 H, BB, 4 K -- W, 3-2, 3.30 ERA, nice
Dennick 3 IP, ER, 4 H, K -- SV, 1, 2.43 ERA

*** Tyler Sample had a good start and the Royals made 2 1st inning runs stand. Yowill Espinal ripped his 6th homer of the season for a 2-run shot in the 1st and the Royals only had 3 hits from then on. The Royals had a 4-hit shutout as Ryan Dennick stranded 2 in the 8th but allowed a run on 2 doubles in the 9th before closing it out. Starter Omar Bencomo took the loss with 2 ER allowed over 3 IP to fall to 2-1 with a 3.24 ERA. Two Rays had 2 hits.

The B-Royals are 21-40. They play the Danville Braves (43-18, 10-0 versus the Royals) tonight for a 1-game series. Leondy Perez (1-5, 4.35) is facing Braves lefty ace Matt Crim (10-0, 2.61).

Rookie - AZL: Padres 13, Royals 2

DH A. Martinez 2-4, 2B (4), RBI (19), picked off -- .219
CF Cooper 0-2, BB, RBI (2), RS, SB (8) -- .167
SS Trapp 0-4, K, E (15) -- .252
2B Piterson 1-4 -- .303
LF Howard 1-3, RS, SB (10), OF assist at home -- .195
C Matos 1-2, K -- .309

Avinazar 3 2/3 IP, 8 R (6 ER), 9 H, BB, 7 K, HRA, 2 WP, balk -- L, 4-5, 6.43 ERA
Keck 2 1/3 IP, 3 ER, 6 H, BB, 2 K -- 9.00 ERA
S. De La Rosa 2 IP, 2 UER, 2 H, 2 K, WP -- 6.11 ERA

*** The Padres thumped the Royals. The Pads rallied for a run in the 1st as Anthony Howard killed the rally with an assist at the plate from left via relay man Justin Trapp. Chanse Cooper hit an RBI groundout in the 2nd but the Padres regained the lead for good with 3 in the 3rd off Willian Avinazar. They chased Avinazar with 4 runs in the 4th and then got 5 more runs off Royal relievers down the stretch. The Royals' other run came in the 8th on an Adrian Martinez RBI single. Pads SP James Needy got the win with 5 IP of an ER allowed to move to 1-1 with a 3.00 ERA. The Royals had handed Needy his only loss his last start. Six Padres had multiple hits led by 3 hits from RF Rymer Liriano. 1B Cody Decker drove in 3 runs (61).

The Royals are 8-15 and play the 9-15 Dodgers tonight. The teams will also complete their suspended Aug. 21 game.

Royals on the Farm 8/23 and 8/24 -- Dwyer debuts in IF

It was truly a shocker that the Royals brought in Kyle Farnsworth in a relatively close game Sunday and he ended up allowing 5 ER....there is nothing to get excited about in regard to the Royals at this point. Zack Greinke pitches well but gets no run support, Billy Butler's breakout season is going for naught, Joakim Soria has been good but not his best, any other player has been solid but not great at best, and in most cases, they stink to high heaven. How about that for stating the obvious? Joe Posnanski has declared it the worst Royals team ever. And with this front office/ownership/manager, it's getting no better. I'm thinking of declaring my fan free agency. How about "Giants on the Farm" next season? I'm seriously considering it.

AAA - Omaha: O-Royals 8, Oklahoma City 3 (7/G1, Sun.)

1B Thorman 3-4, 2B (13), RBI (53), RS, SB (7) -- .274
2B Falu 3-3, HBP, 2B (18), RS -- .265
RF Aldridge 2-4, 2 HR (19), 2 RBI (61), 2 RS -- .307
DH Buchanan 2-4, 2 RBI (26), K, RS, SB -- .252, had to be first SB in long time
SS Lisson 1-2, S, 2B (16), 2 RBI (31) -- .221
LF Hulett 1-3, SF, 2B (24), RBI (53), K, RS -- .294
3B Gordon 0-4, K -- .294

Nicoll 5 2/3 IP, 3 ER, 7 H, BB, 5 K -- W, 1-1, 9.00 ERA
Rosa 1 1/3 IP, K -- 4.93 ERA

*** The O-Royals rocked OKC starter Bryan Corey and Chris Nicoll threw 100 pitches in the win.

Oklahoma City 4, O-Royals 2 (7/G2, Sun.)

3B Lisson 2-2, BB, HR (10), 2 RBI (33), RS, CS (3), E (14) -- .226
2B Falu 2-4, 2B (19) -- .267
DH Gordon 0-1, BB, HBP -- .278

Chavez 4 IP, 2 ER, 3 H, 4 BB, 3 K -- L, 0-1, 2.57 ERA
Godin 3 IP, 2 R (1 ER), 3 H, 2 BB, 3 K -- 2.25 ERA

*** The Royals didn't score until Mario Lisson hit his 2-run homer in the 7th. That's all they got.

Oklahoma City 10, O-Royals 4 (Mon.)

SS Lisson 2-4, 2B (17), RBI (34), K, RS, CS (4) -- .230
3B Gordon 2-3, BB, 3B, RS -- .333
1B Thorman 2-4, 2B (14), CS (3) -- .274
C House 2-4, RS -- .247
RF Aldridge 1-4, HR (20), RBI (62), RS -- .306, Omaha's player of year?
2B Hernandez 1-4, RBI (20) -- .290

O'Connor 6 IP, 7 R (6 ER), 9 H, 3 K, 3 HRA, E -- L, 1-2, 5.70 ERA
Hamulack 2 IP, ER, H, 4 K, HRA -- 5.56 ERA
Hartsock IP, 2 ER, 3 H, BB, 2 K, HRA -- 18.00 ERA, AAA debut

*** Travis Metcalf,who resigned with the Rangers and is now with the RedHawks, slammed 2 HR against his former teammates to lead OKC to the win. Omaha's runs came on a Cory Aldridge solo homer in the 2nd, a Mario Lisson RBI double and Luis Hernandez RBI single in the 5th and Alex Gordon triple that he scored on thanks to an error in the 6th. RedHawks SP Kris Benson got the win with 8 IP of 4 ER allowed on 9 hits and a walk with 3 Ks to move to 4-3 with a 5.70 ERA. LF Royce Huffman had 4 hits and 3 RBI (53) for OKC. Metcalf drove in 4 runs.

The O-Royals are 55-74. The series ends tonight as Lenny DiNardo (9-5, 3.47) faces OKC righty Luis Mendoza (6-5, 4.44). 36-year-old DH Brian Buchanan was named PCL Player of the Week for Aug. 17-23 after hitting .333 (6-18) with 2 HR and 12 RBI in 4 games in the week. Kila Ka'aihue has been sidelined since getting hit by a pitch on the hand last Friday. RP Yas Yabuta was called up to KC as Ron Mahay was DFA'd. I assume they're trading him somewhere. Otherwise, why not Roman Colon? Righty Aaron Hartsock, as noted, has been promoted to Omaha after hitting both Wilmington and NW Arkansas this season.

AA - NW Arkansas: Frisco 6, Naturals 4 (Sun.)

CF Dyson 2-3, S, 2B (4), RBI (14), RS, 2 SB (29), CS (4) -- .257
2B Mertins 2-4, CS (10) -- .284
DH V. Wilson 1-3, HBP, 2 RBI (27) -- .287
RF Lucas 1-2, 2 BB, RBI (44), K, RS, 2 SB (15) -- .288
LF Lough 1-5, K -- .333

Lerew 7 IP, 3 R (2 ER), 7 H, 2 BB, 5 K, WP -- 4.31 ERA
de la Vara 1/3 IP, 2 ER, H, BB -- L, 6-2, 5.74 ERA
Abreu 2/3 IP, ER, H, 2 BB -- BS, 4, 4.72 ERA

*** The Naturals scored 2 to take the lead in the 8th but Gilbert de la Vara and Juan Abreu fell apart in the bottom of the inning as Frisco came back for the win.

Frisco 4, Naturals 2 (Mon.)

3B Lucas 2-4, HR (7), RBI (45), RS -- .290
DH V. Wilson 2-4, 2B (9), RBI (28) -- .292
LF Dyson 0-3, S, K, OF assist at third -- .253
SS Bianchi 0-4, 2 K -- .314
CF Lough 1-4, 2B (10), RS -- .331

B. Johnson 6 IP, ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 2 K -- 4.81 ERA
B. Wood IP, 3 ER, 4 H, BB -- L, 2-7, 5.57 ERA
J. Bannister IP, 2 K -- 5.94 ERA

*** A 3-run Frisco 7th off Blake Wood, who is gonna work out of the pen for the rest of the season, sealed the Naturals' fate in their second straight series sweep loss. Ed Lucas hit his 7th homer in the 4th and Vance Wilson doubled home a run in the 9th. RP Beau Vaughan picked up his 6th save and starter Mike Ballard allowed an ER over 8 IP to improve to 5-6 with a 4.12 ERA. CF Craig Gentry and 2B Marcus Lemon had 2 hits for Frisco. Gentry and 1B Chad Tracy had 2 RBI.

The Naturals are 29-27 and 2 games back now while on their 6-game skid. A 4-game home set with the Springfield Cardinals (26-29) starts tonight with Everett Teaford (3-6, 5.95) facing Cards righty Lance Lynn (10-4, 2.99). The Naturals are 15-13 versus Springfield.

A-Adv. - Wilmington: Blue Rocks 3, Kinston 1 (comp. of Sat. game Sunday)

CF D. Robinson 2-4, HR (4), RBI (44), RS -- .239
2B Giavotella 2-4, RS, SB (23), CS (8) -- .255
3B Fontaine 1-2, BB, RBI (12), E (6) -- .304
DH Van Stratten 1-3, HBP, RBI (8), K, SB (3), CS (2) -- .278
1B C. Robinson 1-4, K, SB (3) -- .286

Caldera 3 IP, UER, 3 H, 3 BB, K, pickoff -- 5.51 ERA
Villa 4 IP, 4 H, BB, 3 K -- W, 6-7, 3.65 ERA
Coleman 2 IP, K -- SV, 0.00 ERA

*** The game was tied at 1 in the 3rd as Chase Fontaine singled home a run in the 2nd before rain suspended play Saturday. Derrick Robinson gave the Rocks the lead with his 4th homer of the season when play resumed Sunday and Nick Van Stratten hit an RBI single. Kelvin Villa and Louis Coleman held on the rest of the way.

Blue Rocks 3, Kinston 1 (7/Sun.)

1B C. Robinson 2-2, HBP, 2B (25), 2 RS -- .290
DH Van Stratten 2-3, RBI (9) -- .290
3B Moustakas 1-3, HR (14), RBI (77), K, RS -- .253
CF D. Robinson 0-3 -- .237
2B Giavotella 0-2, BB -- .254

Gutierrez 4 2/3 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 4 K, 2 WP -- 2.11 ERA
Bowden 1 1/3 IP, ER, H, K, WP -- W, 1-0, 6.75 ERA, win in level debut
Sisk IP, H, 2 K -- SV, 17, 2.11 ERA

*** Mike Moustakas clubbed his 14th homer and the Rocks swept the doubleheader.

Blue Rocks 7, Lynchburg 3 (Mon.)

CF D. Robinson 2-5, 2B (18), 2 K, RS, SB (66), E (4) -- .239
1B C. Robinson 2-5, 2B (26), RS -- .292
RF Van Stratten 2-4, BB, RS -- .299
3B Moustakas 1-5, HR (15), 2 RBI (79), RS, 2 E (23) -- .252
C Eigsti 1-3, BB, GS (3), 4 RBI (34), RS -- .198
2B Giavotella 1-5, RBI (43), RS -- .253
still no Hosmer, this is ridiculous...

Paulino 7 IP, 2 ER, 7 H, 6 K, HRA -- W, 9-6, 3.68 ERA
M. Santiago 1 2/3 IP, UER, 4 H, 2 K -- 4.50 ERA
Z. Peterson 1/3 IP, K -- SV, 2, 2.03 ERA

*** The Rocks' offense was working well Monday. Johnny Giavotella hit an RBI single and Mike Moustakas hit an RBI groundout to put Wilmington up, 2-0, in the 1st. Ryan Eigsti cranked a grand slam in the 4th for his 3rd homer of the season and Moustakas led off the 7th with his 15th homer to finish the Rocks' scoring. Lynchburg SP Bryan Morris allowed 6 ER in 5 IP to fall to 4-7 with a 5.40 ERA. Four Hillcats had 2 hits.

The Rocks are 36-20 and 2 1/2 games up on first. Game 2 with the Hillcats (24-33, A-Adv. Pirates) is tonight as Danny Duffy (8-3, 3.22) faces Hillcats righty Ron Uviedo (5-5, 3.53). The Rocks are 12-5 versus Lynchburg this season.

A - Burlington: Bees 2, Quad Cities 1 (Sun.)

C Graterol 1-3, 2B (4), 2 RBI (7) -- .294
CF Norris 0-4, OF assist at home -- .244
LF Ortiz 1-4, 2B (7), K, RS -- .235
1B Taylor 1-4, 2B (11), K, CS (7) -- .253
RF Francis 0-4, K -- .277
DH Griffin 1-3, BB, 2 K, RS -- .300
3B Morales 1-3, K, SB -- .367
SS R. Wood 0-3, K, E (5) -- .224

Runion 5 IP, ER, 6 H, 3 BB, 4 K, WP -- W, 4-10, 6.82 ERA, had been 0-6 in last 9 starts
T. Pena 2 IP, K -- 5.40 ERA, first great outing as Bee
C. White IP, 2 H, BB, 2 K -- 3.48 ERA
Thompson IP, BB, 2 K -- SV, 7, 2.77 ERA

*** Sam Runion almost had a 2.00 WHIP on the day but held the Bandits to only a run and a Juan Graterol 2-run double in the 4th was all Burlington needed.

Bees 5, Wisconsin 1 (Mon.)

DH Taylor 2-4, K, 2 RS, 2 SB (11) -- .259
LF Griffin 1-2, 2 BB, HR (2), 4 RBI (22), K, RS -- .303
C Bonilla 0-4, RBI (35), PB (14) -- .224
CF Norris 1-4, RS, CS (8) -- .244
RF Francis 0-4, 2 K -- .274
3B Morales 0-4 -- .324
SS R. Wood 0-2, BB -- .217

Melville 6 IP, ER, 4 H, BB, 8 K, HRA, WP -- W, 6-7, 3.93 ERA, nice
Odenbach 2 IP, H, 4 K -- 3.32 ERA
B. Hardy IP, 3 K -- 2.14 ERA, dominant outing

*** The Rattlers got their only run on a solo homer in the 4th and the Bees offense took care of the rest in support of Tim Melville. Shawn Griffin put Burlington on top with a 3-run homer in the 4th and then took a bases-loaded walk in the 8th before a Jose Bonilla RBI groundout finished the scoring. Rattlers SP Cody Scarpetta took the loss with 3 runs (2 ER) allowed over 5 2/3 IP to drop to 4-10 with a 3.39 ERA. SS Josh Prince had 2 hits, including his 1st homer, and 9 RBI for Wisconsin. He also made his 5th error.

The Bees are 27-29 and 8 games back, but now 2 games up on Clinton for a playoff spot. Game 2 with the Timber Rattlers (23-33, A Brewers) is tonight as Mike Lehmann (4-5, 5.71) faces T-Rats righty R.J. Seidel (1-2, 6.57). The teams will also finish their suspended game from July 7 tonight. The Bees are 6-5 versus the Rattlers.

Rookie - Idaho Falls: Great Falls 6, Chukars 5 (Sun.)

2B Franco 2-5, RBI (20), RS, SB (14) -- .252
1B Espinosa 2-5, RBI (19), 2 K, E (9) -- .248
SS Alfaro 2-2, BB, S, 2B (12), RBI (16), RS, E (11) -- .230
C S. Perez 1-3, RBI (27), K -- .306
CF H. Richardson 1-5, RBI (17), K, RS -- .308
PR-C Theriot 0-1, BB -- .290
3B Stovall 0-4 -- .294
DH Lewis 1-4, 2B (3), 2 K, RS -- .267
RF Llanos 1-4, K, RS -- .229
* LF Julio Aparicio had an OF assist at third.

Dwyer 1 2/3 IP, ER, 2 H, BB, 2 K, HRA -- 5.40 ERA, pro debut
Arias 4 1/3 IP, 5 H, 2 BB -- 4.31 ERA
Morgan 0 IP, 2 H, BB -- 6.16 ERA
Hodge IP, 2 K -- 6.75 ERA
Folmer 1/3 IP, 5 R (4 ER), 2 H, 2 BB, HRA, WP -- L, 0-1, 5.40 ERA
Shimek 2/3 IP, nothing -- 7.90 ERA

*** Great Falls put together a big rally off Richard Folmer in the 8th to get a comeback win. KC 4th rounder lefty Chris Dwyer made his pro debut and allowed a solo homer in the 1st before getting pulled with 2 on and 2 out in the 2nd while being kept on a tight pitch count. Hilton Richardson, Angel Franco and Salvador Perez hit RBI singles in the 5th to put IF up, 3-1, and Tito Espinosa made it 4-1 with an RBI single in the 7th. J.D. Alfaro hit an RBI double in the 8th but the Voyagers scored 5 off Folmer in the inning to take the lead. RF Nick Ciolli had 4 hits, including 2 HR (7) and 4 RBI (29) in the win for GF.

off day Monday

The Chukars are 12-8 and 6 games out. A 3-game home set with the Ogden Raptors (11-9, Rookie Dodgers) starts tonight as Santiago Garrido (1-3, 5.16) faces an unannounced starter. IF is 3-6 versus Ogden. C Wil Myers has been added to IF's roster.

Rookie - Burlington: Princeton 7, B-Royals 0 (2-hitter, Sun.)

SS Espinal 1-4, 2B (6), K -- .222
LF D. Rodriguez 1-3 -- .270
CF Pickett 0-4, K -- .257
DH F. Cruz 0-3, K -- .280
2B Tschepikow 0-3 -- .234

Hentges 5 1/3 IP, 4 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 2 K, HRA, balk -- L, 0-2, 5.40 ERA
L. Roberts 2 2/3 IP, 3 R (2 ER), 4 H, 3 K -- 4.50 ERA

*** Chase Hentges had a pretty mediocre start and the Royals only got 2 hits off 2 Rays pitchers.

B-Royals 3, Princeton 0 (3-hitter, Mon.)

SS Espinal 2-4, RBI (17), K -- .227
RF G. Beltre 2-4, HR (6), RBI (26), K, RS, CS (5) -- .231
3B Culver 1-3, RBI (18), K, RS -- .218
CF Pickett 1-3, HBP, SB (22), picked off -- .258
LF Del Rosario 0-4, K, E (6) -- .276
DH F. Cruz 0-4 -- .274
2B Tschepikow 0-4 -- .216

Fortuna 6 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 4 K, E (2) -- W, 3-6, 4.14 ERA
Billo 3 IP, 7 K, WP -- SV, 1, 1.99 ERA, he was dealing

*** Carlos Fortuna and Greg Billo only allowed 1 hit after the 1st and Billo was especially dominant as the Royals returned the favor for Sunday's shutout. Geulin Beltre went long for his 6th homer of the season in the 2nd and the Royals added 2 in the 8th on a Malcom Culver RBI single and Yowill Espinal RBI single. Fortuna retired the last 11 he faced. Rays SP Wilking Rodriguez took the loss with only an ER allowed over 4 IP to fall to 1-5 with a 3.00 ERA. Three Rays had a hit each.

The B-Royals are 20-40. Game 3 with the Rays is tonight as an unannounced Royals SP takes the hill versus Rays righty Deivis Mavares (4-1, 3.29).

Rookie - AZL: Royals 5, Rangers 4 (Sun.)

3B Piterson 2-4, 2 RBI (14), K, RS, SB (10) -- .304
CF L. Adams 1-3, BB, RBI (10), K, 2 RS, SB (14) -- .233
C Matos 1-3, BB, 3B, RBI (11) -- .303
2B Trapp 0-3, BB, RS -- .261

L. Santiago 5 IP, 6 H, BB, 5 K, WP -- 5.33 ERA
E. Diaz 2/3 IP, 3 ER, 2 H, BB, 2 K, HRA -- 6.90 ERA
S. De La Rosa 1 1/3 IP, BB, 2 K -- 6.89 ERA
Bavera IP, H, BB, 2 K, WP -- W, 4-0, 0.48 ERA
L. Ortega IP, ER, 3 H, 3 K, WP -- SV, 1, 4.26 ERA

*** The Royals rallied back from a 3-0 deficit to beat the Rangers. Leonel Santiago pitched well to start but the Rangers scored 3 off Eric Diaz in the 6th. Mauricio Matos hit an RBI triple in the 7th to get the Royals on the board and Luis Piterson hit a 2-run single in the 8th before Lane Adams hit an RBI single and scored on an error to finish the Royals' scoring. Luis Ortega allowed a run in the 9th before stranding 2 to end it. Four Rangers had multiple hits. DH Tomas Telis had 3 hits and LF Santo DeJesus had 2 hits and 3 RBI.

off day Monday

The 8-14 Royals play the 11-13 Padres tonight.

Royals on the Farm 8/22

AAA - Omaha: O-Royals 5, Oklahoma City 4

LF Thorman 2-4, RBI (52) -- .268, in the interest of accuracy, his homer Friday was his first in 31 games, not 33 as reported yesterday
SS Falu 2-5, 2 RS -- .260
1B House 2-4, 2B (23), K -- .248
DH Buchanan 1-4, 2 RBI (24), K -- .243
RF Aldridge 1-4, BB, RBI (59), K, OF assist at second -- .304
2B Hulett 1-3, 2 BB, RBI (52), K, 2 RS, SB (9) -- .294
3B Lisson 1-4, 2B (15), 3 K -- .219

Liotta 4 1/3 IP, 2 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 4 K -- 4.15 ERA, AAA debut
Hayes 3 2/3 IP, 2 ER, 7 H, BB, 2 K -- 4.24 ERA
Godin IP, H, 3 K -- W, 1-0, 0.00 ERA, win in AAA debut

*** Omaha lost a lead in the 7th but Cory Aldridge came through in the 9th to give the O-Royals a walkoff win. Ray Liotta got off to a shaky start as the RedHawks pushed home a run in the 1st. The offense didn't pick him up until the 3rd, when Omaha scored 3 runs on a Tug Hulett RBI single and 2-run Brian Buchanan single. Liotta left 2 in scoring position in the 4th and was pulled with 2 on and 1 out in the 5th. Chris Hayes allowed 1 inherited runner to score before stranding the bases full. Scott Thorman hit an RBI single in the 5th to get the run back and make it 4-2 Omaha. Hayes lost the lead on a walk, 2 singles and a sac fly in the 7th and the 4-4 tie held into the 9th. Jason Godin struck out the side around a Chris Davis single in his first career AAA appearance in the 9th. Mario Lisson led off the Omaha 9th with a double but was thrown out trying to stretch it to third. Irving Falu hit a 2-out single, advanced on a wild pitch and scored on Aldridge's walkoff single to end it. RP A.J. Murray allowed an ER over 1 2/3 IP to fall to 2-2 with a 3.30 ERA. Starter Brandon McCarthy allowed 4 ER on 7 hits and 3 walks with 7 Ks over 7 IP to move his ERA to 5.74. Davis was 4-5 with 2 RBI (30) to move to .342. SS Joaquin Arias had 3 hits and CF Brandon Boggs had 2 hits for OKC. 1B Justin Smoak was 1-3 with 2 walks, a K and RS to move to .235.

Omaha is 54-72. The Royals play a twinbill with the RedHawks today as game 1 pits Chris Nicoll (0-1, 14.54) versus OKC righty Bryan Corey (6-6, 5.14) and game 2 sees Chris Chavez (0-0, 0.00) make a spot start vs. OKC righty Elizardo Ramirez (7-10, 4.86). As noted, P Jason Godin has been called up from AA to fill out a spot in the bullpen. Godin had pitched only 11 2/3 innings in AA prior to the call-up. OF Chris Lubanski was placed back on the DL.

AA - NW Arkansas: Frisco 3, Naturals 2

C Howell 2-4, K -- .264
DH V. Wilson 0-4, RBI (25) -- .287
2B Mertins 0-3, SF, RBI (52), K -- .282
LF Lough 1-4, K -- .337
CF Dyson 1-4, RS, 2 SB (27) -- .250
SS Bianchi 0-3, BB, SB (10) -- .320

R. Hardy 5 2/3 IP, 3 ER, 3 H, 2 BB, 4 K, 2 WP -- L, 3-3, 2.72 ERA
J. Bannister 2 1/3 IP, H, BB, 2 K, pickoff -- 6.11 ERA

*** Rowdy Hardy didn't have his best control as he had 2 wild pitches and hit 4 batters as the Naturals couldn't take advantage of 4 Frisco errors. NWA stranded 2 in the 1st and Hardy did the same in the Frisco 1st. He wasn't as lucky in the 2nd as Frisco scored all 3 of its runs thanks in part to the wild pitches and one of the hit batsmen. NWA left 2 in scoring position in the 3rd and it wasn't until Frisco starter Blake Beavan was pulled to start the 8th that the Naturals could get anywhere. Jarrod Dyson scored on an error in the 8th and Kurt Mertins hit a sac fly to cut the lead to 1 but Chris McConnell was caught trying to steal second to end the rally. The Nats went down in order in the 9th as RP Beau Vaughan picked up his 5th save. Beavan allowed only 5 hits and a walk with 2 Ks over 7 IP to move to 3-4 with a 4.42 ERA. Frisco only had 4 hits. 2B Renny Osuna drove in 2 runs (16).

The Naturals are 29-25 and now a game back of first. Game 2 is tonight as Anthony Lerew (8-6, 4.40) faces Frisco righty Omar Poveda (9-5, 4.57). SP Blake Wood was activated from the DL, as was RP Gilbert de la Vara. I wonder if Wood's activation might kick Matt Kniginyzky to the pen.

A-Adv. - Wilmington: suspended in 3rd tied at 1

The game will be completed today before the series finale. Danny Gutierrez (0-0, 2.70) is set to pitch the regular tilt versus Kinston lefty Russell Young (5-5, 3.40). RP Barry Bowden has gotten the call to Wilmington after pitching well as Burlington's closer.

A - Burlington: Bees 12, Quad Cities 4

DH Ortiz 3-5, S, 2B (6), 3 RBI (18), RS -- .235
3B Taylor 3-5, 2B (10), RBI (22), K, 2 RS -- .253
2B F. Garcia 3-5, 2B (12), RBI (21), K, 3 RS, SB (27) -- .265
CF Norris 3-6, K, RS -- .247
1B D. Wood 2-4, HR (8), 2 RBI (60), K, 2 RS -- .271
RF Francis 2-5, HR (15), RBI (65), K, RS -- .279
C Bonilla 2-4, BB, 2 RBI (34), RS -- .227
LF Griffin 1-5, 2B (13), RBI (18), RS -- .299
SS R. Wood 1-5, 2B (5), RBI (4) -- .234

Hodgson 6 2/3 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 3 BB, 4 K, WP -- W, 3-1, 4.50 ERA
R. Pena 1 1/3 IP, 2 ER, H, BB, 2 K -- 4.83 ERA
J. Garcia IP, 2 BB, K -- 4.40 ERA

*** The Bees went on an offensive rampage from the 3rd through the 7th to coast past the Bandits and earn at least a series split. The Bees stranded 2 in the 1st and Ivor Hodgson allowed a run on 2 hits in the inning. The Bees tied it in the 3rd as Adrian Ortiz hit an RBI single, then took the lead with 3 runs in the 4th on a Jose Bonilla RBI single, Ryan Wood RBI double and Fernando Garcia RBI groundout to make it 4-1. David Wood led off the 5th with his 8th homer and Nick Francis made it back-to-back jacks with his 15th homer to extend the lead to 6-1. The Bees rattled off 5 runs in the 6th on RBI singles by Ortiz, David Wood and Jason Taylor, a Shawn Griffin RBI groundout and Jose Bonilla RBI single. An Ortiz RBI double in the 7th made it 12-1 Bees. Hodgson had pitched well after the 1st and finally faltered again in the 7th as he allowed another run and was pulled for Riquy Pena. Pena gave up 2 runs in the 8th but he and Justin Garcia managed to finish the game. Starter Eric Fornataro took the loss with 4 IP of 4 ER allowed on 9 hits with 2 Ks to fall to 0-3 with an 8.82 ERA. 1B Xavier Scruggs had 3 hits and his 23rd RBI to move to .324 and 3B Richard Racobaldo had 2 hits, both doubles (5), an RBI (7) and 2 RS to move to .254. He also stole his 3rd base.

The Bees are 25-29 and 9 games out but are now ahead of Clinton and QC for a playoff spot by a game. They need the win today as Sam Runion (3-10, 7.04) faces Bandits righty Scott McGregor (6-9, 6.02) in the series finale.

Rookie - Idaho Falls: Chukars 3, Great Falls 2

C S. Perez 0-3, SF, RBI (26), K -- .306
CF H. Richardson 1-3, BB, RS -- .312
DH Lewis 0-3, BB, 2 K -- .269
3B Stovall 1-4 -- .313
LF Aparicio 1-3, K, OF assist at home and two at second -- .212
RF Llanos 1-3, RS, two OF assists at second -- .227

Paukovits 5 IP, ER, 5 H, 4 K, HRA -- 5.13 ERA
Halliman 3 IP, ER, 3 H, 2 K -- W, 4-1, 6.82 ERA
Keating IP, 3 H, K -- SV, 7, 2.13 ERA

*** A 3-run rally in the 9th kept the Chukars rolling against the Voyagers. Julio Aparicio gunned a runner down at the plate to end the 2nd and the game stayed scoreless until GF LF Nick Ciolli hit his 5th homer of the season for a solo shot in the 4th. IF stranded 2 in the 5th and the Voyagers added a run in the 6th. Idaho Falls was being shutout on 5 hits going into the 9th when a 2-run throwing error by RP Nelson Curry tied the game. Salvador Perez added a sac fly and the Chukars all of a sudden had a 3-2 lead. Aparicio had a key OF assist at second in the 9th as Patrick Keating escaped with his 7th save. Curry blew his 3rd save and took the loss with 3 unearned runs in an inning of work to fall to 3-3 with a 3.26 ERA. Starter Brandon Kloess worked 5 shutout innings of 5 hits allowed with 3 Ks to lower his ERA to 2.37. Three Voyagers had 2 hits.

The Chukars are 12-7 and 5 games back. They go for the 4-game sweep today as an unannounced starter faces GF lefty Matt Wickswat (1-1, 4.02).

Rookie - Burlington: B-Royals 5, Johnson City 3

C W. Myers 1-4, 3B, 3 RBI (4), K -- .125, made the most of his 2 B-Royal hits
RF G. Beltre 1-3, BB, 2B (11), RBI (25), K, 2 RS, CS (4), E (5) -- .230
CF Pickett 1-4, K, RS, SB (21) -- .264
LF Del Rosario 1-3, BB, RS, SB (19) -- .281

Hayenga 6 IP, 2 R (1 ER), 3 H, 2 BB, 3 K, WP -- W, 3-6, 3.95 ERA
D. De La Cruz 3 IP, ER, 4 H, BB, 3 K -- SV, 2, 3.82 ERA

*** The Royals made the most of their 4 hits to snap a losing streak. After Keaton Hayenga stranded 2 Cardinals in the 1st, Geulin Beltre hit an RBI groundout in the bottom of the inning to give Burlington the lead. With 2 out and the bases loaded in the 3rd, Wil Myers came through with his first pro triple to score 3 and make it 4-0 Royals. Hayenga escaped a bases-loaded situation in the 4th but finally gave up 2 runs in the 6th to cut the lead in half. Beltre doubled and scored on a wild pitch in the bottom of the inning to restore a 3-run lead. Deybi De La Cruz left the bases full in the 7th but gave up a run in the 9th before shutting the door. JC starter Randy Santos took the loss with 4 IP of 4 runs (3 ER) allowed on 3 hits and 2 walks with 4 Ks to fall to 1-6 with a 4.87 ERA. 3B Kleininger Teran and DH Audry Perez had 2 hits for the Cardinals.

The B-Royals are 19-39. A 3-game set at the Princeton Rays (30-26) starts today with an unannounced Royals starter facing Rays lefty Julius Dettrich (3-5, 3.62). The Royals are 3-3 versus the Rays. Ten games remain on the Burlington schedule.

Rookie - AZL: Indians 6, Royals 3

RF L. Adams 2-4, 3B (2), 2 RS, SB (13) -- .230
CF Howard 1-2, 2 BB, HR, 2 RBI (10), K, RS, SB (9), E (3) -- .190, first pro homer
SS A. Martinez 1-4, RBI (18), K, CS (3), 2 E (9) -- .218
DH Trapp 0-3, 2 BB, 2 K, 2 SB (11) -- .269
1B G. Baldwin 0-5, K -- .248, season has gone downhill after great start
* The Royals stranded 10.

Peacock 5 IP, 3 R (2 ER), 7 H, 4 K, E, pickoff -- L, 0-4, 4.86 ERA
Amador 3 IP, 3 ER, 3 H, BB, 4 K, WP, pickoff -- 6.39 ERA

*** The Royals made 4 errors and couldn't get much offense going in the loss. Brian Peacock labored somewhat in the 1st but only allowed 1 run, then gave up another run in the 3rd on 2 hits. Anthony Howard tied the game in the 4th with a 2-run homer for his 1st pro longball but Peacock allowed a run on 2 hits in the 5th. Ezequiel Amador got a rough introduction to the game as the Indians scored 3 in the 6th. The Royals left 2 in scoring position in the 7th but got a leadoff triple from Lane Adams in the 8th. He scored on an Adrian Martinez groundout but that was all the Royals would get. RP Dale Dickerson pitched the 9th for his 2nd save for the Tribe. RP Francisco Valera blew his 3rd save but got the win with 4 IP of 2 ER allowed to move to 4-2 with a 4.26 ERA. Juan Salas made the start but only went an inning to make his ERA 20.25. Four Indians had multiple hits led by a 3-3 game from DH Kevin Fontanez, who scored twice in his season debut. Two others had 2 RBI for the Tribe.

The 7-14 Royals play the 10-12 Rangers tonight as the AZL season also winds down.

Royals on the Farm 8/21 -- Lamb slaughters for Idaho Falls, close to perfect

AAA - Omaha: O-Royals 9, Tacoma 8 (11)

2B Falu 4-5, BB, 2B (17), 2 RS, SB (12) -- .258
LF Hulett 2-5, BB, HR (11), 3 RBI (51), 2 K, 2 RS -- .294
3B Gordon 2-5, BB, 2B, RBI, K, RS, E -- .385
1B Thorman 2-4, HR (18), RBI (51), K, RS -- .265, hadn't homered in 33 games, no RBI in 16 games
DH Buchanan 1-5, HR (7), 3 RBI (22), RS -- .243
RF Aldridge 1-6, RBI (58), 3 K -- .305
1B Ka'aihue 0-1, HBP -- .264, left in 3rd after HBP

Hughes 5 IP, 5 ER, 5 H, 4 BB, 2 K, HRA, 2 WP -- 4.05 ERA
Yabuta 2 IP, 3 ER, 3 H, 2 BB, K, 2 HRA -- BS, 1, 3.55 ERA
Hamulack 4 IP, BB, 5 K -- W, 3-3, 5.60 ERA

*** Omaha lost an 8-4 lead but recovered to win it in 11. The Royals got right to it with a 5-run 1st on a 2-run Tug Hulett homer (his 11th) and a 3-run homer by Brian Buchanan (his 7th). Dusty Hughes stranded 2 in the 2nd but struggled in a 4-run Tacoma 3rd. Hulett, Alex Gordon and Cory Aldridge singled home runs in the 3rd to make it 8-4 O-Royals. Hughes gave up a solo homer to RF Prentice Redman (his 17th) in the 5th but handed an 8-5 lead to Yas Yabuta in the 6th. Yabuta promptly gave up 2 homers in the inning to tie the game before stranding 2. Omaha stranded 2 in the 9th and the game stayed tied until Scott Thorman broke a long homer drought with a solo homer in the 11th, his 18th. Tim Hamulack was lockdown out of the pen as he allowed only a walk in 4 IP. P Andrew Baldwin took the loss with an ER allowed in an inning to fall to 6-10 with a 4.62 ERA. Starter Garrett Olson worked 4 IP of 8 ER allowed on 10 hits, 2 walks and 2 Ks to make his ERA 5.04. Redman and CF Jerry Owens had 2 hits, 2 RBI and 2 RS for Tacoma. 3B Chris Shelton also drove in 2 (77).

The O-Royals are 53-72. A 5-game, 4-day home set with the Oklahoma City Redhawks (63-62, AAA Rangers) starts tonight with lefty Ray Liotta making his Omaha debut versus Redhawks righty Brandon McCarthy (0-1, 6.23). The O-Royals are 6-5 versus OKC.

AA - NW Arkansas: Midland 7, Naturals 5

CF Dyson 3-5, 3B (3), 2 RBI (13), 2 K, RS, SB (25), picked off -- .250
DH Wilson 3-5, K -- .294
RF Lucas 2-5, RBI (43) -- .286
1B C. Smith 2-4, BB, 2B (26), 2 K, RS -- .257
C Clark 2-4, 2B (13), RBI (27), 2 K, RS -- .302
LF Lough 1-4, S, RBI (28), RS, SB (11) -- .339
SS Bianchi 1-5, 2 K -- .324
3B Mertins 0-2, 3 BB, K -- .284
* NWA stranded 12.

Kniginyzky 4 2/3 IP, 4 ER, 4 H, 3 BB, 4 K, 3 HRA, balk, E -- 5.24 ERA
Swaggerty 2 1/3 IP, H, 5 K -- 3.57 ERA
Abreu IP, 3 ER, 2 H, BB, 2 K, HRA -- BS, 3, L, 2-2, 4.26 ERA

*** NWA grabbed a 1-run lead in the 6th but a 3-run Midland 8th got the RockHounds the sweep. Ed Lucas hit an RBI single but the Naturals stranded 2 in the 1st. NWA struck again for 3 in the 2nd on a Cody Clark RBI double, David Lough RBI single and Jarrod Dyson RBI single. Matt Kniginyzky served up 3 solo homers in the Midland 2nd, then had a throwing error and balk as the 'Hounds tied it in the 3rd. NWA left the bases full in the 5th but Dyson hit the go-ahead RBI triple in the 6th to make it 5-4 Naturals. The big blow came with 2 out in the 8th as Juan Abreu gave up a 3-run homer to CF Corey Brown for his 2nd homer of the game and 8th of the season to make it 7-5 Midland. The Naturals loaded the bases with 1 out in the 9th but Corey Smith struck out and Jeff Howell flew out to end the game as RP Jared Lansford got his 11th save. RP Steven Sharpe pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings to move to 8-1 with a 4.30 ERA. Starter Travis Banwart worked 3 IP of 4 ER allowed on 8 hits and a walk with 3 Ks to move his ERA to 4.99. Brown and RF Matt Spencer had 2 hits each. Brown had his 2 HR plus 4 RBI (38) to move to .272.

The Naturals are 29-24 and now tied for first after the sweep. A 3-game set at the Frisco RoughRiders (27-26, AA Rangers) starts tonight. Rowdy Hardy (3-2, 2.45) is set to face Frisco righty Blake Beavan (2-4, 4.85). NWA is 5-4 versus Frisco.

A-Adv. - Wilmington: Kinston 4, Blue Rocks 1

no Moustakas or Hosmer, again
1B C. Robinson 2-2, 2 BB, 2B (24), 3B, RS, E (6) -- .287
DH Van Stratten 2-3, SF, RBI (7) -- .276
CF D. Robinson 0-4, BB, K -- .236
2B Giavotella 0-4, E (20) -- .252

Montgomery 6 IP, 4 R (2 ER), 6 H, BB, 4 K, 2 WP -- L, 2-1, 2.70 ERA
Rivas 3 IP, H, 2 K -- 5.12 ERA

*** Five Blue Rock errors helped fuel the K-Tribe win as Mike Moustakas and Eric Hosmer were MIA for the third game in a row. Mike Montgomery never really got settled in as Kinston scored a run in the 1st before stranding 2, then after Wilmington stranded 2 in the 1st, Kinston stranded 2 in the 2nd. Montgomery gave up another run in the 4th, then 2 in the 5th thanks to 4 errors behind him. The Rocks had baserunners in every inning but didn't get on the board until Clint Robinson tripled and scored on a Nick Van Stratten sac fly in the 8th. RP Kyle Landis pitched the 9th for his 6th save. Starter Paolo Espino worked 5 2/3 IP of 5 hits and 4 walks allowed with 7 Ks to improve to 6-6 with a 2.55 ERA. 1B Doug Pickens and C Richard Martinez had 2 hits for Kinston and DH Ole Sheldon had 2 RBI (37).

The Rocks are 33-20 and 1/2 a game up on first. Game 2 is tonight with Alex Caldera (4-10, 5.65) facing K-Tribe righty Alex Perez (1-2, 3.04). Moustakas is suffering from concussion-like symptoms after taking a batted ball off the helmet Tuesday. Hosmer is waiting on prescription glasses. Maybe it's a complex prescription you can't get in Delaware??? Sarcasm, there...

A - Burlington: Bees 5, Quad Cities 3

CF Norris 2-5, 3B (3), RBI (20), RS -- .243
C Bonilla 2-3, BB, RBI (32), K, PB (13) -- .223
DH Griffin 2-4, 2B (12), K, CS (6) -- .303
RF Francis 1-4, HR (14), 2 RBI (64), 3 K, RS -- .278
1B D. Wood 1-1, 2 BB, SF, RBI (58), 2 RS -- .269
LF Ortiz 1-5, CS (2) -- .220
SS R. Wood 1-4, 2 K -- .237
2B F. Garcia 1-4, RS, SB (26) -- .259

Baez 5 2/3 IP, 3 ER, 8 H, BB, 3 K, HRA -- W, 7-5, 3.68 ERA
B. Hardy 2 1/3 IP, 2 H, BB, 3 K, WP -- 2.16 ERA
Bowden IP, K -- SV, 10, 2.28 ERA

*** The Bees used a 6th inning comeback to even the series with the River Bandits. Three hits scored 2 Bandit runs off Manauris Baez in the 2nd but a Patrick Norris RBI groundout cut the lead in half in the 3rd. 3B Ricardo Racobaldo made it 3-1 QC in the 3rd with his 1st homer of the season but Jose Bonilla hit an RBI single in the 4th to trim the lead back to 1 at 3-2. Nick Francis put the Bees on top with a 2-run shot in the 6th (his 14th) but the Bees left 2 in scoring position. Norris tripled and scored on a David Wood sac fly in the 7th and Blaine Hardy and Barry Bowden pitched out the win for Baez. QC starter Jorge Rondon allowed 4 runs (3 ER) on 8 hits and 2 walks with 5 Ks over 5 IP to fall to 1-3 with a 3.72 ERA. Four Bandits had 2 hits.

The Bees are 24-29 and 9 games out. Game 3 is tonight as Ivor Hodgson (2-1, 4.94) faces QC righty Eric Fornataro (0-2, 8.76).

Rookie - Idaho Falls: Chukars 2, Great Falls 0 (1-hitter)

CF H. Richardson 2-4, 2B (12) -- .311
2B Franco 1-3, BB, RBI (19), K, SB (13), CS (6) -- .249
SS Alfaro 0-1, BB, S, RBI (15), CS (4) -- .224
DH D. Batista 0-4 -- .280
C S. Perez 1-4 -- .311
1B Lewis 1-4 -- .304
3B Stovall 1-4, 2B (7), RS -- .317
RF Llanos 1-3, RS -- .222

Lamb 7 IP, H, 7 K, pickoff -- W, 3-1, 2.18 ERA, wow
Folmer 2 IP, 2 K -- SV, 6, 3.91 ERA

*** John Lamb had a second straight great outing as he and Richard Folmer combined on a 1-hit shutout. Lamb almost went without a decision, tho, as IF didn't score its runs until the 8th. Lamb gave up Great Falls' only hit with 2 out in the 5th and promptly picked off that runner as he and Folmer would face the minimum 27 batters in the game. The only problem was Voyagers SP Joucer Martinez held the Chukars scoreless and it wasn't until Greg Johnson took over on the mound in the 8th that IF scored 2 on a J.D. Alfaro squeeze bunt and Angel Franco RBI single. Johnson allowed 2 ER in 2 IP to fall to 1-1 with a 3.00 ERA. Martinez allowed only 3 hits and 2 walks with a K over 7 IP to lower his ERA to 2.94.

The Chukars are 11-7 and 5 games out. Game 3 is tonight as Bryan Paukovits (2-2, 5.60) faces GF righty Brandon Kloess (1-0, 2.64).

Rookie - Burlington: Johnson City 6, B-Royals 2

1B D. Cruz 2-4, K -- .234
SS Culver 1-3, BB, RBI (17), RS -- .226
C F. Cruz 0-4, RBI (18), PB (10) -- .286
CF Pickett 1-4, K, RS, SB (20) -- .264
RF Del Rosario 0-1, 3 BB, picked off -- .280
DH W. Myers 0-4, K -- .083

L. Perez 6 IP, 2 ER, 6 H, BB, 5 K, HRA -- 4.35 ERA
Cuevas IP, 4 ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 2 HRA -- L, 0-4, 6.68 ERA
B. Richardson 2 IP, H, BB, 4 K -- 4.30 ERA

*** Burlington scored both its runs in the 1st as the Cardinals dealt the Royals another loss. JC DH Robert Stock clubbed his 6th homer in the 1st and Burlington answered by taking the lead on a Malcom Culver RBI single and Fernando Cruz RBI groundout. Johnson City tied it in the 2nd but Leondy Perez held the line through 6. Gary Cuevas entered the game in the 7th and gave up a leadoff homer to RF Edgar Lara (his 8th) plus 2 more runs in the inning as the Cards surged ahead. LF Rainel Rosario hit his 1st homer of the season off Cuevas to start the 8th and that was all Johnson City would need. RP Michael Thompson pitched 2 hitless frames for the win to move to 1-3 with a 7.63 ERA. Starter Anthony Ferrara allowed 2 ER on 4 hits and 3 walks with 3 Ks over 5 IP to move his ERA to 3.64. Four Cardinals had 2 hits.

The B-Royals are 18-39 and on an 8-game skid. Johnson City goes for the sweep tonight as the Cards send righty Randy Santos (1-5, 4.69) to the mound to face Keaton Hayenga (2-6, 4.25). It's supposed to be Wil Myers' last game in Burlington before he moves up to Idaho Falls.

Rookie - AZL: suspended at 1-1 in the 7th

I assume the game will be completed when the Royals and Dodgers face off their last time here in a couple days. The Royals only have 1 hit in the game. The 7-13 Royals are supposed to play the 8-14 Indians tonight.