Royals on the Farm 7/31 -- July ends with more Giavotella fireworks

AAA - Omaha: Storm Chasers 12, Oklahoma City 3

2B Giavotella 5-6, 2B (32), 4 RBI (71), 2 RS -- .341
DH Ka'aihue 2-5, HR (7), RBI (49), 2 RS -- .284
SS Zawadzki 2-4, HR (7), RBI (36), 2 RS -- .243
C Clark 2-5, 2B (7), HR (4), RBI (36), 2 RS -- .275
CF Dyson 2-4, BB, RBI (14), 2 RS -- .289
3B Falu 2-5, RS -- .298
RF Cain 1-4, BB, HR (13), 2 RBI (57), RS -- .318
LF Lough 1-4, 2 BB, 3B (10), 2 RBI (50) -- .316
1B Robinson 1-5, K -- .309

Montgomery 7 IP, 3 ER, 8 H, BB, 5 K -- W, 4-6, 5.37 ERA
Sisk 2 IP, BB -- 1.47 ERA

* Omaha scored 9 runs in support of Mike Montgomery in the first third of the game and rolled past the RedHawks. On the day KC failed to make room for Johnny Giavotella on the major league roster, he put together a 5-hit game. He led off the game with a single and Lorenzo Cain, another person waiting for an open spot on the KC roster, slammed a 2-run homer (his 13th) to give the Chasers the lead. Omaha loaded the bases with 1 out in the 2nd and Giavotella hit a 2-run single and David Lough hit a 2-run triple to make it 6-0. Jarrod Dyson added an RBI single and Giavotella hit a 2-run double in the 3rd to improve to 9-0. The RedHawks finally got a run off Mike Montgomery in the 3rd and OKC added a run in the 4th. Lance Zawadzki and Cody Clark hit back-to-back homers in the 7th (their 7th and 4th, respectively) and Kila Ka'aihue smoked his 7th homer of the season in the 8th. Montgomery allowed a run in the 7th but Brandon Sisk pitched 2 hitless innings to finish it. Omaha is 59-49. Game 3 is Monday as Jeff Suppan starts.

Omaha OPS leaders
1. OF Lorenzo Cain .916 -- .318/.391/.525, 62 RS, 23 2B, 6 3B, 13 HR, 57 RBI, 32 BB/79 K, 10/15 SB, 3 E in 95 G/358 ABs -- has improved each month, hit .368 with .985 OPS in July
2. 1B/DH Clint Robinson .891 -- .309/.385/.506, 68 RS, 24 2B, 18 HR*, 70 RBI, 47 BB/69 K, 1/2 SB, 4 E in 104 G/395 ABs -- hit only .247 with .646 OPS in July, only 1 HR in month, slugged .309 in month, which isn't a good sign
3. IF Johnny Giavotella .879 -- .341/.394/.485, 65 RS, 32 2B*, 2 3B, 9 HR, 71 RBI*, 39 BB/54 K, 9/13 SB, 10 E in 106 G/437 ABs -- second straight great month, 1.000 OPS and .383 BA in July
Others -- OF David Lough .849 (10 3B, hit .333 with .901 OPS in July, best month yet)...1B Kila Ka'aihue .839 (.402 OBP, 48 BB/59 K, ungood July, .232 BA and .704 OPS)...OF Jarrod Dyson .697 (23 BB/21 K, .682 OPS in July)

Omaha WHIP leaders
1. Brandon Sisk 0.93 -- 3-1, 1.47 ERA, 1 SV, 9 BB/17 K in 15 G/18 1/3 IP -- .118 OAV (opponent's batting average against) in July, .140 overall
2. Everett Teaford 0.95 -- 3-2, 3.34, 5 HRA, 11 BB/33 K in 16 G (3 starts) and 35 IP -- riding the KC shuttle has made for intermittent stats at AAA
3. Sean O'Sullivan 1.18 -- 3-2, 3.86, 3 HRA, 11 BB/27 K in 7 starts and 37 1/3 IP -- waiting for spot back in KC
Others -- Luis Mendoza 1.25 (7-4, 2.37, 1 CG, 1 ShO, 2 SV, 4 HRA, 43 BB/58 K in 27 G (12 starts) and 110 1/3 IP, 1.54 ERA, .161 OAV in month (.239 OAV overall), what a month for Luis, almost got another no-no, allowed 1 run or less in 6 of last 10 starts)...Jeff Suppan 1.37 (9*-5, 4.66, 2 CG, 1 ShO, 19 HRA, 36 BB/67 K in in 21 G (20 starts) and 127 1/3 IP*, he has earned his keep for Omaha)...Mike Montgomery 1.49 (4-6, 5.37, 11 HRA, 57 BB/92 K in 21 starts and 112 1/3 IP, July was his best month since April, 4.39 ERA and .263 OAV in month, .256 OAV overall)...Vin Mazzaro 1.63 (5-1, 4.97, 7 HRA, 40 BB/76 K in 15 starts and 83 1/3 IP, he's been pretty mediocre)

AA - NW Arkansas: Naturals 9, Springfield 1

CF Orlando 4-5, 2 RBI (7), K, 2 RS, 2 SB (4) -- .391
DH Romak 2-5, GS (19), 5 RBI (58), K, RS -- .266
C Eigsti 2-4, 2 2B (5), RBI (3), K, RS -- .500
3B Navarro 2-3, BB, 3 RS, SB (4) -- .275
SS Colon 0-4, S, 2 K -- .259
RF Myers 0-1, 3 BB, HBP, RS, SB (6), picked off -- .249
2B Bianchi 0-5, K -- .270

Dwyer 7 IP, ER, 6 H, BB, 5 K, HRA -- W, 5-9, 6.01 ERA, second straight good start
Chapman 2 IP, 3 K -- 3.16 ERA

* It was all Naturals Sunday as they turned the whipping around on the Cards. Jamie Romak hit an RBI single in the 1st and Ryan Eigsti doubled in a run in the 2nd to make it 2-0 Naturals. A Paulo Orlando single scored 2 runs in the 4th as it was aided by a Springfield error. Chris Dwyer took a shutout into the 6th but allowed a solo homer that inning. NWA answered with 4 runs in the 7th on a Jamie Romak grand slam (his 19th homer) and Orlando added an RBI single in the 8th. Kevin Chapman came in for two perfect innings of relief. NWA is 19-17. The series ends Monday. Jake Odorizzi will start. C Manny Pina got bumped up to KC to take Matt Treanor's roster slot after he got wiped out at the plate on Saturday.

NWA OPS leaders
1. 1B Jamie Romak .862 -- .266/.362/.500, 48 RS, 18 2B, 19 HR*, 58 RBI*, 41 BB/60 K, 6/7 SB, 6 E in 91 G/320 ABs -- put together .330 BA, 1.105 OPS in July, power surge was on as he clubbed 10 HR in month
2. IF Anthony Seratelli .833 -- .287/.403/.430, 74 RS*, 8 2B, 6 3B*, 9 HR, 48 RBI, 60 BB/70 K, 30/32 SB (nice), 5 E in 97 G/328 ABs -- .789 July OPS was down from the .900s in June, still posted .398 OBP in month
3. 3B Mario Lisson .817 -- .255/.340/.477, 46 RS, 15 2B, 11 HR, 36 RBI, 23 BB/61 K, 9/10 SB, 11 E in 69 G/216 ABs -- playing time dropped and so did #s in July, .708 OPS in month
Others -- OF Wil Myers .703 (.249/.351/.352, 30 RS, 15 2B, 3 HR, 28 RBI, 40 BB/67 K, 6/8 SB, 5 E in 70 G/253 ABs, hit .172 with .535 OPS in July, yeesh)...IF Christian Colon .688 (.259/.331/.357, 10 2B, 8 HR, 54 RBI, 37 BB/39 K, 16/22 SB, 12 E in 96 G/367 ABs, hit .284 with .762 OPS in July, equaled HR output from April-June in July with 4 HR)...IF Rey Navarro .682 (first 28 games)...2B Jeff Bianchi .676 (.657 OPS in July)...OF Derrick Robinson .662 (41/51 SB, .345 OBP overall, hit .309 with .732 OPS in July tho)...OF Tim Smith would be in leaders but didn't play in July so I left him off

NWA WHIP leaders
1. Mario Santiago 1.11 -- 2-0, 1.21 ERA, 2 HRA, 11 BB/26 K in 29 2/3 IP -- just got back to AA
2. Kevin Chapman 1.17 -- 1-1, 3.16, 3 SV, HRA, 10 BB/34 K in 25 2/3 IP -- doing well in AA thus far
3. Jake Odorizzi 1.33 -- 3-0, 4.71, 5 HRA, 8 BB/24 K in 5 starts and 28 2/3 IP -- starting off decently in AA
Others -- Patrick Keating 1.42 (6.16 ERA, 7 SV, 12 BB/44 K in 38 IP)...Will Smith 1.48 (9-8, 4.54, 1 CG, 1 ShO, 11 HRA, 36 BB/71 K in 119 IP, 4-1 in July, .245 OAV in month (.303 overall))...Chris Dwyer 1.51 (5-9, 6.01, 2 CG, 11 HRA, 64 BB/91 K in 106 1/3 IP, 20 BB/21 K in month but ended it with two good starts, .234 OAV in month, .249 overall)...Jeremy Jeffress 2.34 (in first 10 2/3 IP at NWA)

A-Adv. - Wilmington: Blue Rocks 5, Kinston 2

CF Prades 2-4, 2 RBI (13), K, RS, SB (8) -- .299
DH Van Stratten 2-4, RS -- .292
3B Whittleman 2-4, K -- .243
SS Hall 1-3, 2B (5), 2 RBI (10) -- .244
RF Testa 0-3, SF, RBI (27), K -- .259
2B Merrifield 1-3, BB, RS -- .263, 13-game hit streak

Arguelles 6 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, BB, 4 K, E -- W, 4-4, 2.90 ERA
Dennick 2 IP, BB, K -- 3.76 ERA
Keck IP, H, K -- SV, 1, 6.48 ERA

* Noel Arguelles moved to a .500 record as the Rocks got the sweep. Carlo Testa hit a sac fly in the 1st and the Tribe got all they could get with 2 in the 2nd. Gerard Hall helped end the rally by nailing a runner at the plate, then came up and hit a 2-run double in the Rocks' 2nd to make it 3-2 Wilmington. Ryan Dennick stranded 2 in the 8th and Yem Prades hit a 2-run single in the inning to stretch it to 5-2. Jon Keck worked around a double in the 9th for his 1st save. Wilmington is 14-22. They have Monday off.

Wilmington OPS leaders
1. 1B John Whittleman .831 -- .243/.358/.473, 46 RS, 20 2B, 3 3B, 17 HR*, 54 RBI*, 62 BB*/83 K, 17 E* in 98 G/334 ABs -- had best month yet with 1.046 OPS in July, 9 HR in month
2. OF Yem Prades .760 -- .299/.332/.428, 24 RS, 13 2B, 3 3B, 2 HR, 13 RBI, 8 BB/47 K, 8/11 SB in 50 G/194 ABs -- hit .308 with .808 OPS in July, best month of season, drop on OBP was supplemented by better SLG
3. OF Nick Van Stratten .726 -- .292/.339/.387, 13 RS, 5 2B, 3B, HR, 15 RBI, 7 BB/13 K, 6/6 SB, 1 E in 28 G/106 ABs -- ho-hum first month back in Carolina League
Others -- OF Carlo Testa .719 (.713 July OPS was a rebound from bad June but still not good)...OF Whit Merrifield .700 (56 RS and 25 2B leads team, his .723 July OPS was also a rebound but still leaves plenty of room for improvement, slugged over .400 for his first month this season)...IF Gerard Hall .617 (still finding sea legs in Carolina League)

Wilmington WHIP leaders
1. Noel Arguelles 1.05 -- 4-4, 2.90 ERA, 6 HRA, 17 BB/58 K in 19 starts and 96 1/3 IP -- 4.15 ERA and .240 OAV in July (.241 overall), staff ace with Odorizzi in AA
2. Mike Mariot 1.14 -- 7-3, 2.89, 5 SV, 5 HRA, 18 BB/56 K in 22 G (6 starts) and 74 2/3 IP -- 2.86 ERA, .267 OAV in July (.232 overall), improvement from poor June
3. Ryan Dennick 1.15 -- 2-4, 3.76, 4 SV, 4 HRA, 9 BB/36 K in 27 G and 38 1/3 IP -- numbers weren't great in July but were better than his June ones
Others -- Elisaul Pimentel 1.17 (couldn't live up to great June numbers but had decent July)...Justin Marks 1.36 (30 BB/100 K in 104 2/3 IP, another OK month)...Tim Melville 1.46 (8*-6, 33 BB/75 K in 101 2/3 IP, 2.74 ERA, .183 OAV in July, .289 OAV overall)

A - Kane County: Quad Cities 3, Cougars 1

LF Fletcher 3-3, BB -- .339
SS Calixte 2-4 -- .227
CF Eibner 1-3, BB, HR (9), RBI (20), 2 K, RS -- .203

Billo 6 IP, ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 5 K, HRA -- 1.48 ERA
C. White IP, H, 2 BB, K -- 7.11 ERA
Rogers 1 2/3 IP, 2 ER, 2 H, BB, K, HRA -- L, 1-1, 2.40 ERA

* Another good Greg Billo start went for naught as the Bandits got a walkoff homer in the 9th. KC stranded 2 in the 1st and Billo was victimized for a leadoff homer in the bottom of the inning. Brett Eibner tied it with a leadoff homer in the 4th for his 9th of the season. Billo and Bandits SP Boone Whiting dueled from there until relenting to the bullpen in the 7th. The Cougars had a double play end a potential chance in the 9th, and Nick Rogers gave up a 2-out, 2-run walkoff shot in the 9th to LF Chris Edmondson to end it. KC is 21-14. A pivotal game 3 is Monday as the teams are tied for the division lead.

Kane County OPS leaders
1. OF Brian Fletcher .961 -- .339/.395/.566, 34 RS, 20 2B*, 3 3B, 8 HR, 39 RBI*, 16 BB/44 K, 4/7 SB, 5 E in 60 G/221 ABs -- stayed solid with .976 OPS in July, let's move him up to Wilmington for the last month
2. IF Cheslor Cuthbert .866 -- .328/.381/.485, 23 RS, 9 2B, 3B, 7 HR, 39 RBI*, 19 BB/33 K, 1/1 SB, 4 E in 53 G/204 ABs -- .911 OPS in July was best this season, also hit .356 with 23 RBI in month, .400 OBP
3. OF Brett Eibner .751 -- .203/.326/.425, 27 RS, 5 2B, 3B, 9 HR*, 20 RBI, 26 BB/49 K, 1/4 SB, 1 E in 43 G/153 ABs -- only hit .179 with .664 OPS in July, but did put up .343 OBP in month
Others -- IF Yowill Espinal .530 (.478 OPS in July was his worst yet)...nobody else than top 3 on active roster are over a .700 OPS.

Kane County WHIP leaders
1. Greg Billo 1.01 -- 8*-2, 1.48 ERA, 1 SV, 4 HRA, 21 BB/97 K* in 21 G (12 starts) and 103 1/3 IP -- posted 1.19 ERA and .217 OAV in July, is sitting at .221 OAV overall
2. Chase Boruff 1.03 -- 4-1, 1.99, 3 SV, HRA, 14 BB/45 K in 30 games and 49 2/3 IP -- 3.38 ERA in July was first month for him over 2 this season, .228 OAV in July, .206 overall
3. Chas Byrne 1.09 -- 3-1, 3.33, 8 SV*, 5 HRA, 9 BB/52 K in 31 G and 51 1/3 IP -- 2.93 ERA, .246 OAV in July, is at .236 OAV overall
Others -- Nick Rogers 1.07 (only 15 IP)...Leonel Santiago 1.10 (7-7, 3.06, 6 HRA, 19 BB/92 K in 18 starts and 108 2/3 IP, had a rough July with ERA over 4)...Jason Adam 1.24 (4-6, 5.07, 9 HRA, 21 BB/57 K in 14 starts and 71 IP, his numbers also headed south in July with 6.84 ERA and .301 OAV, sits at .245 OAV overall)...Leondy Perez 1.31 (3-11, 3.73, 6 HRA, 21 BB/77 K in 20 starts and 115 2/3 IP, another guy with poor July)...Yordano Ventura 1.36 (2-3, 5.03, 6 HRA, 18 BB/55 K in 12 starts and 53 2/3 IP, his numbers DID improve in July)

Rookie - Idaho Falls: Chukars 7, Ogden 2 (Sat.)

SS Liberto 3-3, BB, RS, SB (8), CS -- .384
RF Elder 2-4, 2B (5), 3B (3), 2 RBI (9), 2 K, 2 RS -- .351
DH Moreno 1-3, BB, HR (5), 2 RBI (18), RS -- .246
1B Espy 1-4, RBI (22), K -- .310
3B Threlkeld 1-4, RBI (16), RS, SB (2) -- .264
CF Chism 0-4, SF, RBI (20), 3 K -- .264

A. Brooks 6 IP, 2 ER, 8 H, BB, 4 K, WP -- W, 3-1, 3.92 ERA
Middendorf IP, H, K, WP -- 6.35 ERA
Carl 2 IP, 3 K -- 0.51 ERA

* Five early runs helped the Chukars to the win. Mark Threlkeld singled in a run in the 1st, Tyler Chism hit a sac fly in the 2nd, Chris Elder followed with a 2-run triple and Richard Espy hit an RBI single to make it 5-0 IF. Ogden got a steal of home in the 3rd and then plated a run in the 4th to trim it to 5-2. Henry Moreno blasted a 2-run shot (his 5th) in the 5th to stretch it to 7-2, and it came down to the Chukar pitching from there. Edwin Carl was his usual lockdown self with 2 perfect IP to end it. That was the last game of the first half.

Chukars 13, Ogden 6

DH Moreno 4-5, 2 2B (7), 3B, 3 RBI (21), 3 RS -- .268
SS Martinez 3-4, BB, RBI (8), 2 RS, SB (3) -- .242
CF Davis 2-3, BB, SF, 2 RBI (24), 2 RS -- .340
LF Fradejas 2-4, BB, RBI (4), RS -- .263
C Escobar 2-4, BB, RBI (10), 2 RS -- .347
1B Espy 0-3, 2 HBP, RBI (23), 2 K, RS, E (7) -- .303
RF Elder 0-4, BB, RBI (10) -- .317

Peacock 5 IP, UER, 2 H, BB, 6 K -- W, 2-3, 3.30 ERA
Penny 2 2/3 IP, 4 ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 4 K -- 11.30 ERA
Jo. Sanchez 1 1/3 IP, ER, 3 H, 2 K -- 6.52 ERA

* A 9-run rally keyed the Chukars' win Sunday. A wild pitch scored IF's first run in the 3rd and Ogden tied it in the 5th off Brian Peacock. A Chris Elder groundout scored the go-ahead run in the 5th and the Chukars followed with a monster 2-out rally, as Henry Moreno hit a 3-run triple, Edul Escobar RBI single, a run-scoring wild pitch, a 2-run Ogden error, and Richard Espy bases-loaded HBP that made it 10-1. Runey Davis added a sac fly in the 6th. Ogden scored 4 in the 8th off Robert Penny and Jose Sanchez. Davis singled in a run and Adrian Martinez hit an RBI groundout in the 8th. Sanchez allowed a run before closing it out in the 9th. IF is 1-0. A 2-game home set with the Casper Ghosts (Rookie Rockies) starts Monday.

Idaho Falls OPS leaders
1. OF Chris Elder 1.063 -- .317/.404/.659, 8 RS, 5 2B, 3 3B, HR, 10 RBI, 6 BB/11 K, 0/1 SB, 1 E in 11 G/41 ABs -- only 11 games but so far so good for non-drafted free agent
2. OF Runey Davis 1.043 -- .340/.443/.600, 25 RS, 8 2B, 3 3B, 4 HR, 24 RBI*, 18 BB/33 K, 5/7 SB, 1 E in 30 G/100 ABs -- nice first full month in organization, was '09 Cubs draftee
3. IF Mike Liberto .912 -- .372/.451/.462, 15 RS, 5 2B, 3B, 7 RBI, 10 BB/11 K, 8/9 SB, 4 E in 22 G/78 ABs
Others -- C Edul Escobar .897...1B Richard Espy .882 (4 HR, 23 RBI)...OF Tyler Chism .792 (5 HR, 20 RBI, 5/6 SB)...3B Mark Threlkeld .704

Idaho Falls WHIP leaders
1. Edwin Carl 0.51 -- 1-1, 0.51 ERA, 2 SV, 3 BB/35 K in 13 games and 17 2/3 IP -- that's domination
2. Brian Peacock 1.10 -- 2-3, 3.30, 1 SV, 3 HRA, 7 BB/48 K* in 8 games (7 starts) and 43 2/3 IP -- good K rate and also excellent K/BB
3. Aaron Brooks 1.10 -- 3*-1, 3.92, 3 HRA, 4 BB/34 K in 8 games (6 starts) and 39 IP -- off to a good start
Others -- Brennon Martin 1.12 (2-2, 3.86, 8 HRA, 3 BB/33 K in 7 starts and 42 IP)...Spencer Patton 1.61 (4.18 ERA, 1 SV, 11 BB/31 K in 23 2/3 IP)...Kellen Moen 1.68 (2-1, 7.03, 10 BB/28 K in 24 1/3 IP)

Rookie - Burlington: Pulaski 4, B-Royals 2 (comp. of Sat. game)

CF Conner 3-5, 2B (3), RBI (6) -- .286
RF Bonifacio 2-5, 2 K, SB (3), picked off -- .296
2B J. Rodriguez 2-3, BB, K, 2 RS, SB (10) -- .277
Burlington stranded 12.

Baez 0 IP, H -- 7.29 ERA
Graffeo 3 1/3 IP, ER, H, 3 BB, 4 K -- 1.14 ERA
R. Brown 2 2/3 IP, 3 ER, 4 H, K, balk -- L, 0-1, 3.09 ERA
Gonzalez 2 IP, H, 3 K -- 6.35 ERA

* Pulaski took command in the 6th and the Royals didn't have the answer. Play was suspended after a Pulaski leadoff double off Angel Baez in the 1st. Cameron Conner hit an RBI double in the 3rd but Nick Graffeo gave up the tying run in the bottom of the inning. The Royals left 2 in scoring position in the 4th and Rudy Brown allowed a 2-run triple and balked in a run in the 6th. An error scored a Royals run in the 7th, but they left the bases full in the 9th.

B-Royals 4, Pulaski 3 (7/reg. Sun. game)

CF Adams 3-4, 2B (4), HR (2), RBI (5), K, 2 RS -- .293
SS Antonio 2-2, HBP, SF, HR (4), 3 RBI (20), RS, CS (3) -- .292

Cantrell 4 1/3 IP, UER, 5 H, BB, 3 K, E (2) -- 5.46 ERA
Graham 2 2/3 IP, 2 R (1 ER), 2 H, 2 BB, 5 K, 2 WP -- W, 3-1, 3.25 ERA

* The Royals rebounded from the earlier loss to get their own win on Pulaski Sunday. Lane Adams led off the 3rd with his 2nd homer of the season but Eric Cantrell gave the run back in the 3rd. Mike Antonio hit a sac fly in the 5th but Tyler Graham couldn't hold the lead as he allowed the tying run in the 6th. Antonio came up with 1 on and 2 out in the 7th and came up clutch with his 4th homer to make it 4-2. Graham allowed a run in the 7th but left the tying run at third to finish it. Burlington is 15-26. The series ends Monday. I'll wrap up Burlington's month-end stats on Monday, as they don't have them updated from the late game yet.

Rookie - AZL: Royals 7, Cubs 2

CF Gore 3-3, BB, 2 RBI (12), RS -- .364
C Bello 2-4, RBI (8), 2 RS -- .303
RF DelGuidice 1-3, SF, RBI (22), RS -- .415
DH Cuckovich 1-5 -- .329

Jon. Rodriguez IP, H, K -- 0.00 ERA
A. Williams 4 IP, 2 R (1 ER), 4 H, K, HRA, 2 E -- W, 1-1, 4.50 ERA
S. Rosario 4 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 5 K -- SV, 1, 8.18 ERA

* The Royals scored 7 unanswered runs to overcome the Cubs. Ali Williams allowed runs in the 2nd and 4th as the Cubs took a 2-0 lead but the Royals took command in the 5th. Terrance Gore hit a 2-run single and errors scored Nick DelGuidice and Gore to make it 4-2 Royals. Rainier Bello singled in a run in the 6th but the Royals lost a chance at more runs by leaving the bases full. An error and Nick DelGuidice sac fly in the 8th padded the lead to 7-2. Sergio Rosario pitched a scoreless final 4 innings. The Royals are 13-20.

AZL OPS leaders
1. IF Nick DelGuidice 1.146 -- .415/.458/.689, 29 RS*, 13 2B*, 2 3B, 4 HR*, 22 RBI*, 8 BB/10 K, 2/3 SB, 6 E in 28 G/106 ABs -- nice start to his career
2. OF D'Andre Toney 1.062 -- .360/.448/.613, 17 RS, 6 2B, 2 3B, 3 HR, 14 RBI, 7 BB/14 K, 5/14 SB, 0 E in 23 G/75 ABs -- has been sneaky good other than in his SB instincts
3. OF Terrance Gore .907 -- .364/.453/.455, 10 RS, 2 2B, 3B, 12 RBI, 7 BB/11 K, 9/9 SB, 1 E in 18 G/44 ABs -- also doing well, albeit in limited time until recently
Others -- 2B Adrian Morales .901 (.492 OBP, 16 BB/6 K, 6 E in 14 G/44 ABs, OBP is impressive with .295 BA, but it IS only 44 ABs)...IF Nick Cuckovich .842 (.442 OBP, 12 BB/17 K, 16/18 SB*, 3 E in 17 G/70 ABs, has been a bright spot)...OF Jerico Blanco .707 (4 BB/24 K, 2 HR, 18 RBI in 30 G/104 ABs)

AZL WHIP leaders
1. Andrew Stueve 0.93 -- 1-1, 1.44 ERA, 3 SV*, 4 BB/34 K* in 13 games (1 start) and 31 1/3 IP, has been lockdown out of pen, we'll see if he gets more starts
2. Julio Morales 1.45 -- 3*-1, 4.09, 12 BB/22 K in 8 G (1 start) and 22 IP
3. Ali Wiliams 1.55 -- 1-1, 4.50, HRA, 5 BB/17 K in 8 G (1 start) and 22 IP, not good for a 1.55 WHIP to be in top 3, but they DO play in Arizona
Others -- Sam Runion 1.43 (only 7 2/3 IP)...Eric Diaz 1.58 (leads team with 4 losses and 36 IP)...Brian Edelen 1.88 (10 BB/32 K, 7 HRA* in 26 2/3 IP)...Stephen Lumpkins 1.96 (7.13 ERA, 16 BB/18 K in 24 IP, rough first month as a pro)...Christian Witt 2.00 (9.00 ERA, HRA, 4 BB/14 K in 16 IP, ditto)...Fernando Cruz 2.42 (transition to pitching not so fluid after first 12 IP)...Cesar Ogando 3.00 (0-3, 15.63, 3 HRA, 14 BB/12 K in 6 starts/12 2/3 IP, probably not what the Royals were hoping for out of their top draft pick to sign thus far (6th rd))

Royals on the Farm 7/30

One-time Pipeline mainstay Mike Aviles is no longer a Royal, as he was shipped up to Boston (I hear bagpipes) for IF Yamaico Navarro and advanced-A RP Kendal Volz. Navarro will stay with KC and Volz will go to Wilmington. I think it was a good deal. Per the team site story, tho, that may be KC's only deadline trade. I was hoping they'd make room for Giavotella.

AAA - Omaha: Storm Chasers 5, Oklahoma City 4

1B Ka'aihue 2-4, RBI (48), K -- .281
LF Lough 2-3, BB, 2 RS, SB (12) -- .317
DH Robinson 1-4, 2 RBI (70) -- .310
2B Giavotella 1-3, BB, K, RS -- .334
C S. Perez 0-4 -- .188, all he does is hit grand slams, none tonight

Mazzaro 3 2/3 IP, 4 ER, 2 H, 7 BB, 4 K -- 4.97 ERA, ejected in 4th
Miner 2 2/3 IP, H, 2 BB, 2 K -- W, 1-0, 2.16 ERA
Herrera 2/3 IP, BB, K -- 0.00 ERA
Chavez 2 IP, 3 K -- SV, 13, 3.26 ERA

* A RedHawks miscue helped Omaha win the series opener. An OKC error scored a run in the 1st and a Clint Robinson RBI groundout made it 2-0 Chasers. Robinson singled home another run in the 3rd with Kila Ka'aihue doing the same to make it 4-0 for Vin Mazzaro. Mazzaro walked the bases loaded but escaped the jam in the 3rd. He walked 2 more in the 4th and had 2 out and 2 on when an RBI single scored a run and yet another walk loaded the bases and resulted in Mazzaro's ejection. Zach Miner made the unexpected entry into the game and gave up a 3-run game-tying double before ending the inning. The Chasers drew 2 1-out walks in the 7th and a David Lough single scored a run on a RedHawk error. Kelvin Herrera came in to strand 2 in the 7th and Jesse Chavez pitched two solid innings to finish it. Omaha is 58-49. Game 2 is Sunday. Mike Montgomery will start.

AA - NW Arkansas: Springfield 11, Naturals 5

2B Colon 3-5 -- .262
DH Romak 2-3, BB, 2 HR (18), 2 RBI (53), 2 RS -- .263
CF Robinson 1-5, RBI (18), 2 K, RS, SB (41) -- .273
RF Myers 0-3, SF, RBI (28), K -- .250
SS Bianchi 0-3, BB, K -- .274

Jeffress 3 2/3 IP, 5 ER, 5 H, 5 BB, 2 K, WP -- L, 0-1, 6.75 ERA
Hardy 2 1/3 IP, ER, 3 H, 3 BB, K, WP -- 2.00 ERA
Dobies 2 IP, 5 R (2 ER), 3 H, 2 BB, K, HRA -- 9.00 ERA

* Springfield pimpslapped the Naturals with 11 runs for a second straight game to roll once more. The Cards scored a run in the 1st but the Naturals tied it in the 2nd on a leadoff homer by Jamie Romak for his 17th of the season. NWA stranded 2 in the 3rd and the Cards responded with 3 runs, then another in the 4th to make it 5-1. Derrick Robinson singled in a run in the 5th and Wil Myers added a sac fly to cut it to 5-3. The Cards scored a run in the 6th but the Naturals got a run on a passed ball in the 7th. Springfield greeted Andrew Dobies with 3 runs in the 7th and Romak led off the 8th with his 18th homer and 2nd of the game. The Cards poured on 2 more runs in the 8th to finish the scoring. NW Arkansas is 18-17. Chris Dwyer will start Sunday's game.

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

DH Ferguson 3-4, RBI (31), K, RS, CS (6) -- .227
3B Whittleman 2-4, K, RS -- .239
1B Stovall 2-3, HBP, RS -- .252
SS Hall 1-3, 2 RBI (8), K -- .241
CF Merrifield 1-3, BB, 2B (25), K, RS -- .263, 12-game hit streak

Mariot 7 2/3 IP, UER, 5 H, BB, 6 K, E -- W, 7-3, 2.89 ERA
Pimentel 1 1/3 IP, 2 K -- SV, 1, 3.55 ERA

* The Rocks finally got it started in the 6th to bring home the win for Mike Mariot. Kinston scored a run in the 1st off Mariot. The Rocks stranded 2 in the 4th but a throwing error scored the tying run in the 6th. Gerard Hall hit a 2-run single in the 7th and Tim Ferguson singled in a run in the 8th to make it 4-1. Elisaul Pimentel took over for Mariot with 1 on and 2 out in the 8th and finished it. Wilmington is 13-22. Noel Arguelles starts game 3 Sunday.

A - Kane County: Cougars 5, Quad Cities 4

DH Franco 2-5, K, RS -- .249
3B Cuthbert 2-4, RS, SB -- .328
SS Calixte 1-3, BB, GS (2), 4 RBI (24), 2 K, RS, E (13) -- .220
LF Fletcher 0-4, RS -- .329

Garrido 5 IP, 4 ER, 7 H, 2 BB, 2 K, WP -- W, 1-3, 5.94 ERA
J. Mitchell 3 IP, 2 H, BB, 2 K -- 2.25 ERA
Byrne IP, H, 3 K, WP -- SV, 8, 3.33 ERA

* The Cougars cranked out some runs in the 1st and made 'em stick. An error scored the Cougars' 1st run in the 1st and Orlando Calixte slugged a 1-out grand slam for his 2nd homer of the season to make it 5-0. Santiago Garrido gave up a run in the 3rd and 2 in the 4th, then another in the 5th to cut the lead down to the bare bones at 1. Jason Mitchell worked around a leadoff triple in the 6th then stranded 2 in the 8th. Chas Byrne struck out the side around a single in the 9th. KC is 21-13. Game 2 is Sunday.

Rookie - Idaho Falls: Chukars 8, Ogden 4 (Fri.)

3B Threlkeld 3-4, 3B (2), 2 RBI (15), E (8) -- .265, it's a little Berman-y, but how about "My Life With the (Threlkeld) Cult" for a nickname, huh? Yeah, it references an industrial metal band, but it works.
LF Elder 2-4, BB, 2B (4), HR, 2 RBI (7), 2 RS, assist at second -- .333, first pro homer
1B Espy 2-4, BB, 3B, RBI (21), 3 RS -- .312, Eazy Es at it again, tho Escobar didn't play
CF Chism 2-5, RBI (19), 2 K, RS -- .272
RF Davis 0-2, BB, SF, RBI (22), K, SB (5) -- .330

Avinazar 3 IP, 3 ER, 4 H, BB, 4 K, HRA -- 9.00 ERA
Dooley 4 IP, UER, H, BB, 3 K -- W, 2-3, 7.58 ERA
Patton 2 IP, H, BB, 3 K -- SV, 1, 4.18 ERA

* The Chukars scored 4 late runs to defeat the Raptors. Ogden scored 2 in the 1st off Willian Avinazar but the Chukars got 1 back on a Mark Threlkeld RBI single. Avinazar grooved one for a solo homer in the 2nd but the offense picked him up in the 3rd with 3 runs on a Richard Espy RBI single, Threlkeld RBI single and Runey Davis sac fly. Jonathan Dooley allowed the tying run in the 7th thanks in part to a Threlkeld error, but Chris Elder picked a fine time for his 1st pro homer as his 2-run shot and an Espy triple followed by a balk made it 7-4 Chukars. Tyler Chism tacked on an RBI single in the 8th and Spencer Patton stranded 2 in the 9th for his 1st pro save. IF is 16-21. The Chukars lead late again tonight.

Rookie - Burlington: suspended

* The game was suspended in the 1st and the teams will play a doubleheader on Sunday.

Rookie - AZL: Mariners 5, Royals 4

2B Garcia 2-3, BB, K, RS, SB (7), E (12) -- .270
RF DelGuidice 1-3, HR (4), 3 RBI (21), K, RS -- .417
1B Gaylord 0-4, RBI (17), RS -- .228
LF Terrance Gore had an assist at second.

E. Diaz 5 IP, 5 H, BB, 3 K -- 5.75 ERA
Runion 2 IP, BB, 4 K -- 1.17 ERA
Edelbrock 2 IP, 5 R (4 ER), 5 H, BB -- L, 0-1, 18.00 ERA, rocky pro debut

* A pitcher's duel became a late slugfest with the Mariners emerging triumphant. The Mariners stranded 2 twice and the Royals straggled a few runners along as the game stayed tied at 0 into the 8th. Casey Edelbrock made his pro debut for the Royals in the 8th and three straight doubles gave the M's a foothold on the lead. When the dust settled, the Mariners had scored 5 runs and only an assist by Terrance Gore to throw out a runner at second ended the rally. The Royals made a torrid comeback in the 9th as Brian Gaylord hit an RBI forceout and Nick DelGuidice hit a 2-out, 3-run homer for his 4th as a pro. Travis Lane followed with a double but Jerrell Allen grounded out to end the game. The Royals are 12-20.

Royals on the Farm 7/29 -- Melville throws a gem, Salvador slams another granny

AAA - Omaha: Storm Chasers 10, Albuquerque 1

C S. Perez 2-4, GS, 5 RBI, K, RS -- .250, that's 3 grand slams in a week
DH Robinson 2-4, RBI (68), 2 RS -- .311
3B Falu 2-4, RBI (28), K -- .296
LF Lough 1-5, HR (6), RBI (48), K, RS -- .314
2B Giavotella 1-4, SF, 2B (31), RBI (67), RS -- .334
CF Dyson 1-3, S, 2B (7), RBI (13), K -- .286
RF Cain 0-3, BB, 2 K, RS -- .319
1B Ka'aihue 0-1, 3 BB, K, 2 RS -- .278

O'Sullivan 6 IP, ER, 3 H, 2 BB, 5 K, HRA -- W, 3-2, 3.86 ERA
Herrera IP, H, K -- 0.00 ERA
Teaford IP, nothing -- 3.34 ERA
Tejeda IP, 2 H, BB, 2 K -- 3.52 ERA

* The Chasers turned on the jets late to leave the Isotopes in the dust. David Lough hit his 6th homer for a solo shot in the 1st. After the Isotopes tied it in the 3rd, Johnny Giavotella regained the lead in the bottom of that inning on a sac fly. Jarrod Dyson doubled in a run in the 5th and Salvador Perez made his 1st AAA homer a big one with a grand slam in the 6th to blow the game open. Clint Robinson, Perez and Irving Falu added RBI singles in the 7th to make it 10-1. Robinson Tejeda stranded the bases full in the 9th. Omaha is 57-49. Vin Mazzaro starts the first of 4 at the Oklahoma City RedHawks (47-59, AAA Astros) on Saturday.

AA - NW Arkansas: Springfield 11, Naturals 4

C Pina 2-3, BB, 2B, 3 RBI -- .333
SS Colon 2-4, HR (8), RBI (54), RS -- .257
1B Seratelli 2-4, 2B (8), K, 2 RS, SB (29) -- .291
CF Robinson 0-5 -- .275
RF Myers 1-2, 2 BB -- .253
2B Bianchi 0-4, 2 K -- .277

W. Smith 4 IP, 9 ER, 10 H, 2 BB, K -- L, 9-8, 4.54 ERA, long way from a no-no
M. Santiago 3 IP, 2 H, BB, 2 K -- 1.21 ERA
Lebron IP, 2 ER, H, BB, K, HRA -- 3.97 ERA

* A 7-run inning was a killer for the Naturals Friday. Christian Colon hit his 8th homer of the season in the 1st but Springfield got 2 off Will Smith in the 2nd. Manny Pina hit a 2-run single in the 4th and the Nats snatched back a 3-2 lead. NW Arkansas stranded 2 in the 5th and the Cards went to work on Smith, as 6 hits and 2 walks scored 7 runs off Smith and Mario Santiago. Pina hit an RBI double in the 8th but the damage was done. The Cards added a 2-run homer off Willy Lebron for good measure in the 8th. NWA is 18-16. Game 2 is Saturday as Jeremy Jeffress starts.

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

SS Mertins 2-4, K, RS -- .267
3B Whittleman 1-2, 2 BB, HR (17), 3 RBI (54), RS -- .236
CF Merrifield 1-4, RS -- .262, 11-game hit streak
DH Jul. Rodriguez 0-3 -- .294

Melville 7 IP, 2 H, BB, 5 K -- W, 8-6, 3.90 ERA
Caldwell 2 IP, 3 K -- 0.00 ERA

* Tim Melville had a great start and the Rocks took the opener from the Tribe. John Whittleman smacked a 3-run homer in the 1st for his 17th of the season to hand Melville the lead, and that was all he needed. He took a no-hitter into the 5th and a run-scoring error made it 4-0 in the bottom of the 5th. Melville and Allen Caldwell retired the last 14 Indians after Melville allowed back-to-back singles to start the 5th. Wilmington is 12-22. Mike Mariot pitches game 2 Saturday.

A - Kane County: Cougars 5, Cedar Rapids 1

2B Franco 3-4, 2B (10), 3B (4), RBI (14), RS -- .246
RF Beltre 2-4, RBI (28), RS, CS (8) -- .248
DH Aparicio 2-4, RBI (14), CS (4) -- .179
CF Eibner 2-4, RS -- .200, back to the Mendoza line
SS Calixte 1-3, SF, RBI (20) -- .218
3B Cuthbert 1-4 -- .325

L. Perez 7 IP, UER, 5 H, BB, 4 K -- W, 3-11, 3.73 ERA
Boruff 2 IP, 2 H, K -- 1.99 ERA

* A 3-run rally helped Leondy Perez bring home his 3rd win of the season. Julio Aparicio hit an RBI single in the 2nd but the Kernels tied it off Perez in the 4th. Orlando Calixte hit a sac fly in the 4th and the Cougars pieced together a rally in the 5th on an Angel Franco RBI triple, Geulin Beltre RBI single and run-scoring passed ball that made it 5-1. Perez and Chase Boruff nailed it down from there. The Cougars are 20-13. A key 3-game set at the Quad Cities River Bandits (19-13, A Cards, 1/2 game back of KC) starts Saturday.

Rookie - Idaho Falls: off day Thursday

* A 3-game home set with the Ogden Raptors (22-14, Rookie Dodgers) starts tonight.

Rookie - Burlington: Bluefield 7, B-Royals 1 (11)

SS Trapp 2-3, BB, HBP, 2B (10), RBI (28), K, SB (16) -- .302
3B Bringas 1-3, HBP, K, RS -- .208
LF Brooks 1-4, K -- .235

Ridings 6 IP, ER, 5 H, 5 K -- 3.10 ERA
Pizziconi 4 IP, 2 H, BB, 4 K -- 5.91 ERA
Ferguson 2/3 IP, 6 R (3 ER), 5 H, 2 BB -- L, 0-1, 5.30 ERA
Gonzalez 1/3 IP, nothing -- 9.82 ERA

* Bluefield ran away and hid with it in the 11th. Both teams got their only run in the first 9 innings in the 3rd, as the Jays scored off Matt Ridings and the Royals got a 2-out Justin Trapp RBI single. Ridings and Andrea Pizziconi held the Jays in check thereafter, but the Royals couldn't generate any offense either off Tyler Ybarra and Mitchell Taylor. The Royals left Trapp at third in the 9th, and then stranded 2 in the 10th. Andrew Ferguson gave up a leadoff double in the 11th and it was downhill from there as a 2-run Derek Hamblen error at third aided a 6-run Jays rally. The Royals stranded 1 in the 11th. Burlington is 14-24. A 3-run set at the Pulaski Mariners (18-20) starts Saturday.

Rookie - AZL: Brewers 6, Royals 4

1B Gaylord 3-4, SF, 2B (5), 2 RBI (16) -- .236
3B Morales 2-4, BB, HR, RBI (6), RS, E (5) -- .306
2B DelGuidice 2-4, HBP, RS, SB (2) -- .420
LF Allen 1-4, BB, 2B (3), RBI (6) -- .198
DH Cuckovich 1-4, BB, 2B (5), K, 2 RS, SB (16) -- .361
The Royals stranded 13.

Stueve 4 IP, 3 ER, 4 H, BB, 3 K, WP -- L, 1-1, 1.44 ERA
Edelen 2 IP, 2 ER, 2 H, 2 BB, 3 K, HRA -- 8.44 ERA
F. Cruz 2 IP, UER, BB, 2 K, WP -- 13.50 ERA
Bangs IP, BB, 2 K -- 6.00 ERA

* The Royals doubled up the Brewers in the hits department, 12-6, but the runs department was another story. Nick Cuckovich and Brian Gaylord hit back-to-back doubles in the 1st to give the Royals a 1-0 lead. The Brewers tied it in the 2nd but the Royals regained the lead on a Gaylord sac fly in the 3rd. The Brewers scored 2 in the 4th off Andrew Stueve to take the lead, and the Royals made a habit of stranding runners. Two in the 4th, 2 in the 5th, 2 in the 6th. The Brewers got 2 more runs in the 6th and 1 in the 7th to make it 6-2. Jerrell Allen hit an RBI double in the 7th and Adrian Morales hit a solo homer in the 8th (his 1st) before the Royals stranded 2. They didn't generate any more runs. The Royals are 12-19.

Royals on the Farm 7/28

AAA - Omaha: Albuquerque 2, Storm Chasers 0 (3-hitter)

RF Cain 1-4, K -- .322
LF Lough 1-4 -- .315
CF Dyson 1-2, HBP, SB (28) -- .285
2B Giavotella 0-4 -- .335
DH Robinson 0-4 -- .309
C S. Perez 0-4, K -- .125

Mendoza 6 1/3 IP, 2 UER, 4 H, 4 BB, 6 K -- L, 7-4, 2.37 ERA
Pucetas 2 2/3 IP, 4 K -- 5.49 ERA

* Dana Eveland hurled a gem at the Chasers on Thursday. Albuquerque scraped together 2 runs in the 5th and Eveland made 'em stick. Jarrod Dyson got to third in the 8th but that was as close as the Chasers got to plating a run. Omaha is 56-49. The series ends Friday with Sean O'Sullivan starting.

AA - NW Arkansas: Tulsa 5, Naturals 1

RF Myers 1-4, RBI (27) -- .251
CF Robinson 1-3, S, RS, SB (41) -- .279
SS Colon 1-4, K -- .254

Ed. Garcia 4 IP, 3 ER, 5 H, BB, 4 K, 2 HRA -- L, 0-1, 3.27 ERA
Lafferty 3 IP, 2 UER, 3 H, 2 K -- 0.00 ERA, AA debut
Dobies 2 IP, H, K -- 9.00 ERA

* Five Driller pitchers combined to shut down NW Arkansas. Edgar Garcia gave the Drillers all they needed with a 2-run homer in the 2nd. Another homer in the 4th made it 3-0. Brendan Lafferty gave up a 2-run double in the 6th, and the Naturals only had 2 singles to their credit entering the 9th. Wil Myers singled in a run in the 9th to spoil the shutout but the Naturals would leave the bases loaded. NWA is 18-14. A 4-game set at the Springfield Cardinals (13-19) starts Friday. No announced starter on the team site.

A-Adv. - Wilmington: Potomac 7, Blue Rocks 5

C Jul. Rodriguez 1-4, HR, 3 RBI (5), K, RS -- .357, Betemit trade has worked out OK so far
DH Van Stratten 1-4, 2B (5), RBI (15), RS -- .309
3B Whittleman 1-3, BB, RBI (51) -- .235
CF Merrifield 1-4, K, SB (20) -- .262
RF Testa 1-4, 3B (4), 2 K, RS -- .265

Marks 7 IP, 4 ER, 8 H, 2 BB, 7 K, 2 HRA, pickoff -- L, 5-8, 4.73 ERA
Paukovits 2 IP, 3 ER, 3 H, 2 BB, K, WP -- 3.77 ERA

* A 3-run 9th made it a little closer than it really was for the Rocks. The game got off to a good start for the Rocks as Carlo Testa tripled, scored on a Nick Van Stratten double, and John Whittleman singled in a run to make it 2-0 Wilmington. Justin Marks had stranded 2 in the 1st but gave up 3 runs in the 2nd. He held it at 3-2 until giving up a homer in the 7th, and Bryan Paukovits gave up a 2-run double in the 8th. Paukovits allowed another run in the 9th to make it 7-2. Julio Rodriguez hit a 2-out, 3-run homer in the 9th for his 1st as a Royals farmhand, but the Rocks weren't able to capitalize on the blast. Wilmington is 11-22. A 3-game home set with the Kinston Indians (18-14) starts Friday. IF Joey Lewis was put on the DL with a thigh bruise. Tim Melville will start Friday.

A - Kane County: Cougars 6, Cedar Rapids 5

1B Kuebler 2-4, 2B (9), K -- .204
2B Espinal 2-3, BB, RS, SB (10) -- .189
3B Cuthbert 1-4, HR (7), 3 RBI (39), RS -- .327
C David 0-3, 2 BB, RBI (6) -- .259
CF Eibner 1-3, BB, 2 K, RS -- .192
LF Fletcher 0-3, BB, RS -- .335

Adam 5 IP, 4 ER, 6 H, BB, K, 2 WP -- W, 4-6, 5.07 ERA
Giovenco 2 IP, ER, 3 H, K, WP -- 3.38 ERA
Rogers 2 IP, H, BB -- SV, 4, 1.35 ERA

* The Cougars made two 3-run rallies stand up against the Kernels. Back-to-back triples and a single gave Cedar Rapids a 2-0 lead in the 1st. Cheslor Cuthbert clubbed a 3-run homer in the bottom of the 1st, however, for his 7th homer to make it 3-2. The Kernels tied it in the 2nd, but Kevin David took a bases-loaded walk and a 2-run error in the 2nd made it 6-3 Kane County. The Kernels scored 1 in the 4th then got a run in the 7th, but Cuthbert threw a runner out at the plate in the inning and Nick Rogers pitched out the final two innings for his 4th save. KC is 19-13. Leondy Perez starts the series finale Friday.

Rookie - Idaho Falls: Missoula 5, Chukars 4

SS Martinez 2-4, 2B (4), 2 K, SB (2) -- .233
CF Davis 1-3, HBP, 3B (3), 2 RBI (21), 2 K -- .337
DH Mateo 1-4, RBI (19), K -- .319
2B Piterson 1-5, RBI (5), K -- .200

Moen 4 IP, 4 R (3 ER), 5 H, 2 BB, 2 K, E (2) -- 7.03 ERA
N. Johnson IP, K -- 5.14 ERA
Cuevas 2/3 IP, 2 BB -- 2.79 ERA
Jo. Sanchez 1 1/3 IP, ER, 2 H, BB, K, balk -- L, 2-2, 6.50 ERA
Carl IP, K -- 0.57 ERA

* Idaho Falls forged a 4-run comeback but Missoula quickly regained the lead and won it. The Osprey took command with 4 in the 4th off Kellen Moen. The Chukars halved the lead with a 2-run Runey Davis triple in the 6th, and Luis Piterson and Daniel Mateo singled in runs in the 7th to tie the game. Missoula loaded the bases with 2 out in the 7th off Jose Sanchez and Sanchez balked in the deciding run. The last 8 Chukars went down. IF is 15-21. They have today off.

Rookie - Burlington: Bluefield 12, B-Royals 2

2B Trapp 2-4, BB, 3B (4), K, RS -- .294
SS Antonio 1-3, SF, RBI (17), K, E (15) -- .282
LF S. Brooks 1-4, RBI, K -- .233
DH Shin 0-2, 2 BB, K, RS -- .236

Yambati 2/3 IP, 7 ER, 6 H, BB, K, pickoff -- L, 0-5, 18.85 ERA, um, Robinson isn't cutting it
Culver 2 IP, 5 R (4 ER), 3 H, 4 BB, 4 K, HRA -- 8.14 ERA
Hall 4 1/3 IP, H, BB, 4 K -- 8.35 ERA
R. Brown 2 IP, 2 H -- 2.18 ERA

* An 8-run 1st torpedoed the Royals on Thursday. Robinson Yambati lasted 2 outs and gave up 6 runs in the process, then Malcom Culver proceeded to give up a 2-run homer to the first batter he faced to make it 8-0 Jays. Justin Trapp tripled and scored on a Mike Antonio sac fly in the 1st but Bluefield shot back with 3 in the 2nd. Culver allowed another run in the 3rd to make it 12-1. Steven Brooks singled in a run in the 7th and that was the end of the valiant comeback. Burlington is 14-23. The Royals will try to avoid a sweep on Friday.

Rookie - AZL: Royals 9, A's 4

DH Cuckovich 2-4, BB, RBI (8), SB (15) -- .368
RF Blanco 2-5, 2B (5), RBI (18), K, CS -- .286
LF Allen 2-5, 3B, 2 K, 2 RS -- .195
SS Arteaga 1-5, 3 RBI (15), K -- .235
1B Gaylord 1-4, BB, HR (3), 2 RBI (14), 2 RS -- .218
2B DelGuidice 1-2, 2 BB, S, 2B (13), RBI (18), RS -- .417
CF Gore 1-2, 2 BB, 2 RS, SB (8), OF assist at third -- .382

Lumpkins 4 1/3 IP, 4 ER, 6 H, 3 BB, 4 K -- 7.13 ERA
J. Morales 4 IP, H, 2 BB, 6 K -- W, 3-1, 4.09 ERA
Witt 2/3 IP, H -- 9.00 ERA

* The Royals cranked up the offense in the 7th to leave the Athletics in the dust. Stephen Lumpkins gave up a 3-run double in the 1st but Terrance Gore threw the batter out at third to end the inning on the play. Jerico Blanco got a run back with an RBI single in the 2nd but Lumpkins gave it right back in the 2nd to make it 4-1. Humberto Arteaga drove in a run with a 3rd inning groundout and the score stayed 4-2 A's into the 7th. The Royals took walks to load the bases with 1 out in the 7th, and Arteaga singled in 2 runs and Nick DelGuidice took a walk to force in the go-ahead run before the Royals left 'em loaded. Jerrell Allen tripled and scored on a passed ball in the 8th with Nick Cuckovich also singling in a run to make it 7-4 Royals. Brian Gaylord finished it with a 2-run homer in the 9th for his 3rd career longball. The Royals are 12-18.

Royals on the Farm 7/27 -- Salvador, Absolute Zero move up

AAA - Omaha: Storm Chasers 6, Albuquerque 4

CF Cain 2-3, BB, HR (12), RBI (55), 2 RS -- .323, hitting out of 3 slot
1B Robinson 1-3, BB, 2B (24), 2 RBI (67), RS -- .312
2B Giavotella 1-4, 3B (2), RBI (66), RS -- .338
DH Ka'aihue 0-2, BB, SF, RBI (47), K -- .279
LF Lough 1-4, RS -- .316
C S. Perez 1-4, 2B, picked off runner -- .250, already showing defensive stuff in AAA debut

Suppan 6 IP, 4 ER, 8 H, 3 BB, 2 K, 2 HRA -- 4.66 ERA
Sisk 2 IP, H, 2 BB, 5 K -- W, 3-1, 1.65 ERA
Chavez IP, H, BB, 3 K -- SV, 12, 3.40 ERA

* Omaha came up with some 8th inning magic to even the series with the Isotopes. Lorenzo Cain got it started with a 2-out solo homer in the 1st for his 12th of the season. Unfortunately it was a short-lived lead as Jeff Suppan gave up a 3-run blast in the 2nd. Suppan then gave up another solo homer in the 5th to make it 4-1. Johnny Giavotella came through with an RBI triple in the 5th and scored on a wild pitch by P John Ely to cut the lead to 4-3. Roy Corcoran took on that lead in the 8th but Clint Robinson stung him with a 2-run double and Kila Ka'aihue added a sac fly to give the Chasers a 6-4 lead. Jesse Chavez stranded 2 in the 9th for his 12th save. Omaha is 56-48. Game 3 is Thursday. Luis Mendoza will start. C Manny Pina and P Mario Santiago have been sent down to AA as C Salvador Perez (as shown) and P Kelvin "Absolute Zero" Herrera have taken their roster slots.

AA - NW Arkansas: Naturals 6, Tulsa 3

CF Robinson 2-3, 2 BB, 2 RBI (17), RS, 2 SB (40) -- .279
SS Colon 2-5, RBI (53) -- .254
LF Orlando 2-4, RBI (5), RS, SB -- .343
3B Lisson 1-3, BB, 2 RBI (36), K, 2 RS, SB (9) -- .256
DH Myers 0-4, K -- .251
RF Jeff Francis had an assist at third.

Odorizzi 6 IP, 3 ER, 7 H, 6 K, 2 HRA -- W, 3-0, 4.71 ERA
M. Santiago 2 IP, 2 H, BB, 3 K -- 1.35 ERA
Chapman IP, 3 K -- SV, 3, 3.42, dominant save

* The Naturals slapped together a 5-run rally and Jake Odorizzi earned his 3rd AA win. The big rally came in the 2nd as Paulo Orlando hit an RBI single, Mario Lisson hit a 2-run single, and Derrick Robinson and Christian Colon hit RBI singles to pile up a 5-0 lead. Tulsa hit 2 homers off Odorizzi in the 4th and added another run in the 5th but Odorizzi held them to that. Robinson singled in another run in the 6th and Mario Santiago, fresh back in a Nats uniform, and Kevin Chapman brought it home from there. NWA is 18-14 and 3 games up on first. They go for a key sweep Thursday. Edgar Garcia is set to start.

A-Adv. - Wilmington: Potomac 5, Blue Rocks 1

DH Testa 2-4 -- .265
SS Hall 1-3, 2B (3), RBI (6) -- .236
CF Merrifield 1-3, BB, 2 K, CS (11) -- .263

Sample 5 IP, 5 R (3 ER), 8 H, 2 BB, 3 K, HRA, E (5) -- L, 6-8, 5.42 ERA
E. Pimentel 2 IP, H, BB, K -- 3.59 ERA
Rivers 2 IP, K -- 0.00 ERA, Rocks debut

* The Rocks were stymied by Sammy Solis and the Nationals. Tyler Sample stumbled through a 2-run 1st and the Rocks got 2 runners on in each of the first 3 innings but made nothing of it. Sample gave up a solo homer in the 4th then the P-Nats got 2 off Sample and Elisaul Pimentel in the 6th. Solis retired 13 in a row from the 3rd thru the 7th. Gerard Hall chased him with an RBI double in the 8th but RP Marcos Frias quickly stomped out any embers and the Rocks didn't rally in the 9th. Wilmington is 11-21. The Rocks will try to avert a sweep on Thursday with Justin Marks pitching. P Allen Caldwell has been called up after pitching well in Kane County.

A - Kane County: Cedar Rapids 6, Cougars 3

LF Fletcher 2-3, HBP, 3B (3), RBI (38), K -- .340
2B Franco 2-5, 2 K -- .238
3B Cuthbert 1-4, RBI (36), K -- .328
CF Eibner 1-3, 2 BB, K, RS -- .189

Ventura 3 1/3 IP, ER, 3 H, 2 K -- 5.03 ERA
A. Cruz 2 2/3 IP, 2 H, BB, 4 K, WP -- 2.91 ERA
Hodge 2/3 IP, 4 ER, H, 3 BB, WP -- L, 2-1, 6.56 ERA
C. White 1 1/3 IP, ER, 4 H, 2 K -- 8.44 ERA
Byrne IP, K -- 3.40 ERA

* A 4-run 7th fueled a Kernels win. Yordano Ventura allowed a run in the 1st but the Cougars matched it on a Cheslor Cuthbert RBI single in the bottom of the inning. KC left 2 in scoring position in the 3rd, then left the bases full of Cougars in the 5th. Mitch Hodge came in long enough to combine with new addition RP Cole White to allow 4 runs in the 7th to blow the game open. A run-scoring error and Brian Fletcher RBI triple cut it to 5-3 in the bottom of the inning but the Kernels got a run back in the 8th and KC didn't threaten again. The Cougars are 18-13. Jason Adam pitches game 2 Thursday.

Rookie - Idaho Falls: Missoula 4, Chukars 3 (Tue.)

CF Davis 1-3, HR (4), 3 RBI (19), K, RS -- .337
C Escobar 1-4, 2B (9), RS, PB (7) -- .344

B. Martin 7 IP, 6 H, 4 K, pickoff -- 3.86 ERA, robbed of a well-deserved W
Middendorf IP, ER, H, K -- 6.75 ERA
Fassold 1/3 IP, 3 R (2 ER), 4 H -- BS, 2, L, 1-1, 4.91 ERA

* A disastrous bottom of the 9th cost Brennon Martin and the Chukars the win. Mike Liberto hit a 1-out triple in the 3rd but got thrown out in an odd double play on a ball hit by Tyler Chism. Runey Davis provided the entirety of the IF scoring offense with a 3-run homer in the 5th for his 4th career blast to make it 3-0 Chukars in support of Martin. David Middendorf lost the shutout as a triple led to a run in the 8th but he handed a 3-1 lead to Cody Fassold to start the 9th. A Liberto error cost the Chukars a possible out and a groundout plated a run and put runners at first and second. From there it was RBI single, RBI single, walkoff single by C Roidany Aguila to end it. Idaho Falls is 15-20. The series ends tonight.

Rookie - Burlington: Bluefield 3, B-Royals 0

C Shin 2-3, 2B (7), PB (4) -- .241
SS Antonio 2-4 -- .281
DH Swab 1-3, K -- .216
RF Derek Hamblen had an assist at the plate.

Murray 5 IP, UER, 2 H, BB, 6 K, 2 E (3) -- L, 1-2, 3.82 ERA
Graham 3 IP, ER, H, 3 BB, 3 K, WP -- 3.24 ERA
Ferguson IP, ER, 2 H, 2 K -- 4.00 ERA

* The Royals generated only 5 hits on offense as Bluefield came away with the series opener. The Royals ran into a rally-killing double play in the 1st and Bluefield struck for the first run in the 2nd. Jays pitchers retired 15 in a row at one point and Bluefield added runs in the 8th and 9th to put it on ice. Burlington is 14-22. Game 2 is Thursday. As seen above, P Alex Rivers has been moved up to Wilmington.

Rookie - AZL: off day

Royals on the Farm 7/26 -- Dwyer, Arguelles shine

AAA - Omaha: Albuquerque 6, Storm Chasers 4

RF Dyson 3-4, 2 RBI (12), RS, SB (27) -- .287
LF Lough 3-5, 3B (9), RBI (47), RS -- .317
CF Cain 1-4, RBI (54), K -- .320
2B Giavotella 0-5 -- .339
1B Robinson 0-4 -- .312

Montgomery 4 IP, 4 ER, 7 H, 4 BB, 3 K, WP -- 5.47 ERA
Miner 4 IP, H, BB, 2 K, WP -- 3.18 ERA
Teaford IP, 2 ER, H, BB, 2 K, HRA -- L, 3-2, 3.44 ERA

* One pitch won it for Albuquerque on Tuesday. The Isotopes loaded the bases to start the game off Mike Montgomery and got 2 runs in the 1st. David Lough hit an RBI single in the 3rd but Albuquerque answered with 2 in the 4th off Montgomery. Jarrod Dyson hit a 2-run single in the 4th to cut it to 4-3 and Lorenzo Cain singled in the tying run in the 5th. The tie was handed to Everett Teaford in the 9th and a 1-out, 2-run homer by 3B Russ Mitchell made it 6-4 Isotopes. Omaha stranded 1 in the 9th. Omaha is 55-48. Game 2 is Wednesday. Jeff Suppan will start.

AA - NW Arkansas: Naturals 10, Tulsa 1

SS Bianchi 3-4, 2B (21), 2 RS, E (11) -- .280
1B Seratelli 2-4, 2 RBI (48), 2 K, RS -- .292
C S. Perez 1-4, GS (9), 4 RBI (43), RS -- .283, um, that's two grand slams in a week
RF Francis 1-3, BB, 2B (7), 2 RBI (19), 2 RS -- .273
2B Navarro 1-4, HR, RBI (10), RS -- .289
CF Robinson 0-3, SF, RBI (15) -- .275
LF Myers 0-1, 3 BB, K, 2 RS -- .255

Dwyer 8 IP, ER, 3 H, BB, 9 K -- W, 4-9, 6.34 ERA
Herrera IP, H -- 1.75 ERA

* A 7-run rally punctuated by a big blast from Salvador Perez helped Chris Dwyer in one of his best starts of the season. Nick Francis hit a 2-run double in the 1st and Anthony Seratelli hit an RBI single to make it 3-0 NWA after 1. Seratelli singled in a run with the bases loaded in the 3rd and Perez followed with his 9th homer for his 2nd grand slam in recent days. Rey Navarro made it back-to-back with his 1st AA homer and Derrick Robinson added a sac fly to give Dwyer a relatively pressure-free 10-0 lead. Dwyer allowed a run in the 4th but recovered to retire 10 straight and Kelvin Herrera finished it in the 9th. NWA is 17-14. Game 2 is Wednesday as Jake Odorizzi makes the start.

A-Adv. - Wilmington: Potomac 4, Blue Rocks 3 (comp. of Mon. game)

CF Prades 4-5, 3B (3), RBI (11), 2 RS -- .285
LF Testa 2-5, 2B (22), RBI (26), K, SB (11) -- .262
DH Ferguson 2-4, K -- .218
RF Van Stratten 0-2, 2 BB, SF, RBI (13) -- .313
The Rocks stranded 10.

Mariot 4 2/3 IP, 3 ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 5 K -- L, 6-3, 3.22 ERA
Odenbach 2 1/3 IP, ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 2 K -- 3.21 ERA
Keck 2 IP, H, 2 K -- 7.36 ERA

* It took 1 hit for Potomac to grab control of the game as it resumed in the 5th Monday and the Nationals made the lead stand. Yem Prades led off the Rocks 1st with a triple and scored on a Nick Van Stratten sac fly to spot Mike Mariot a lead early. The Rocks left the bases loaded in the 3rd and Potomac tied it in the 4th off Mariot. The Rocks stranded the bases full again in the 4th and the game was suspended by rain with 2 on and 2 out in the 5th. Dusty Odenbach took over when play resumed Tuesday and a 2-run single made it 3-1 Potomac. The Nationals added a run in the 7th and Prades singled home a run with Carlo Testa doubling him home in the 9th, but the Rocks would strand 2 more in a game of wasted chances.

Blue Rocks 4, Potomac 3 (8/reg. Tue. game)

RF Prades 3-4, RS, CS (3) -- .295
C Jul. Rodriguez 2-3, 2B (2) -- .400
1B Lewis 2-3, RBI (15), K -- .214
DH Van Stratten 1-3, S, RBI (14) -- .314
2B Mertins 1-4, RBI (7), K, RS -- .256
LF Ferguson 1-4, GW RBI (30), K -- .219

Arguelles 7 IP, 2 ER, 2 H, BB, 3 K, pickoff -- 2.89 ERA
Dennick IP, ER, 2 H, K -- W, 2-4, 3.96 ERA

* The Rocks had to go to "extras" in the regular game but got the win. Nick Van Stratten singled in a run in the 1st and the narrow lead and a no-hitter was held by Noel Arguelles into the 7th and would-be final inning. However, the Nationals got an RBI triple and RBI single to grab the lead. Joey Lewis hit a clutch RBI single in their half to stay alive, but Potomac got a run in the 8th off Ryan Dennick to regain the lead. Kurt Mertins hit a 2-out RBI single and advanced to third on an error on the play, and Tim Ferguson ended it with a walkoff single. Wilmington is 11-20. Game 3 is Wednesday as Tyler Sample starts.

A - Kane County: off day

* The Cedar Rapids series starts Wednesday, not today. Oops.

Rookie - Idaho Falls: Missoula 4, Chukars 1 (Mon.)

LF Chism 1-4, K -- .276
RF Elder 1-4, 3B (2), 2 K -- .360
CF Sandford 1-3, K, RS, SB (14) -- .270

Peacock 6 IP, 4 H, BB, 7 K -- 3.72 ERA, good start for naught
Penny 1/3 IP, 4 R (3 ER), 2 H, 3 BB, HRA -- BS, 1, L, 1-4, 11.08 ERA
Carl 1 2/3 IP, H, 3 K -- 0.61 ERA

* A good Brian Peacock start went fruitless as the offense couldn't do enough to get him the win. Darian Sandford singled and scored on a wild pitch in the 3rd, and the Chukars squandered a triple in the 6th. Robert Penny allowed 4 runs in the 7th and like that, poof, it was gone. IF is 15-19. Game 2 is tonight.

Rookie - Burlington: Elizabethton 6, B-Royals 4

2B J. Rodriguez 2-5, RBI (10), K, SB (9) -- .273
DH Dyer 2-3, BB -- .326
SS Antonio 1-5, RBI (16), K, E (14) -- .273
1B Watts 1-4, BB, HR (12), RBI (32), 2 RS -- .289
C Shin 1-4, 2B (6), RBI (5), E (3) -- .226, good to see him back in action

Graffeo 3 2/3 IP, ER, 2 H, BB, 6 K -- 0.95 ERA
Cantrell 2 2/3 IP, 2 R (1 ER), 2 H, BB, 2 K, WP, balk -- L, 0-4, 6.46 ERA
A. Gonzalez 2 2/3 IP, 3 ER, 5 H, 2 K -- 10.80 ERA

* Elizabethton took control late to defeat the Royals. Nick Graffeo allowed a run in the 1st but the Royals tied it in the 4th on Murray Watts' 12th homer of the season. The score stayed 1-1 into the 7th but the Twins scored 2 that inning off Eric Cantrell. Jose Rodriguez hit an RBI groundout in the 7th but the Twins scored 3 in the 8th off Abel Gonzalez to make it 6-2. Jin-Ho Shin doubled in a run in the 8th and Mike Antonio hit an RBI groundout in the 9th but the Royals would get no closer. The B-Royals are 14-21. A 3-game home set with the Bluefield Blue Jays (19-16) starts Wednesday.

Rookie - AZL: Royals 8, Indians 7 (Mon.)

LF Gore 3-3, SF, 2B (2), 3 RBI (7), 2 RS, SB (7) -- .321
2B Garcia 2-4, S, 3B (5), 2 RBI (14), K, SB (6), 2 E (11) -- .272
DH Bello 2-4, RBI (7), K -- .295, needs to move up to Kane Cty so we can have Billo-Bello battery
SS Arteaga 1-3, 2 S, RBI (12) -- .237
CF J. Allen 0-2, 2 BB, RBI (5), K, 2 RS -- .176

E. Diaz 3 IP, 3 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 4 K, WP, E (3) -- 6.68 ERA
Runion 2 IP, 2 K -- W, 1-1, 1.59 ERA
Stueve 3 2/3 IP, 4 UER, 4 H, BB, 2 K, WP -- 0.66 ERA
Witt 1/3 IP, nothing -- SV, 1, 9.39 ERA

* The Royals barely held on to win on Monday. The Indians got a run off Eric Diaz in the 2nd but the Royals answered with 3 runs on a Terrance Gore RBI single and 2-run Carlos Garcia triple. They piled on 3 more runs in the 3rd on a Rainier Bello RBI single, Jerrell Allen run-scoring walk and Gore sac fly. The Indians scored 2 in the 4th but Humberto Arteaga squeezed home a run in the 6th and Gore tacked on an RBI double in the 8th. The Royals took a seemingly comfortable 8-3 lead into the 9th but Andrew Stueve suffered from two 2-out errors behind him, then gave up a 2-run single to cut the lead to 8-7. Christian Witt came in to get the final out for his 1st pro save.

Giants 12, Royals 5

LF Gore 3-4, 3B, 3 RBI (10), K -- .375
1B Gaylord 2-5, 2 K, RS -- .217
3B Morales 2-4, BB, E (4) -- .300
2B Garcia 0-5, RBI (15) -- .256
SS DelGuidice 1-3, BB, RS, 2 E (6) -- .415
The Royals stranded 10.

S. Rosario 4 IP, 4 ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 2 K, 2 E -- L, 0-1, 12.86 ERA
A. Williams 3 IP, 7 R (2 ER), 6 H, 2 BB, 3 K -- 5.00 ERA
Bangs IP, ER, 2 H, K, HRA -- 6.30 ERA

* As the schedule shifted to mornings in the AZL for the Royals, the Giants ruined the Royals' morning. The Giants scored a run in the 1st but the Royals scored 3 in the 2nd on a 3-run Terrance Gore triple. The Giants responded with a 3-run rally in the 2nd off Sergio Rosario to take a 4-3 lead. The Giants added 3 in the 5th off Ali Williams and, after the Royals scored on a wild pitch in the 7th, the Giants scored 4 that inning. Carlos Garcia knocked in a run in the 8th but by then it was 11-5. The Giants polished it off with a solo homer off Parker Bangs in the 8th. The Royals are 11-18 and have Wednesday off.

Royals on the Farm 7/25

long day....short report tonight

AAA - Omaha: Round Rock 9, Storm Chasers 2

1B Ka'aihue 2-4, BB, 2 2B (15), K, E (2) -- .282
CF Cain 2-4, HBP, RBI (53), RS -- .321
2B Giavotella 2-4, BB, 2 K -- .343
RF Falu 1-3, 2 BB, RBI (27), CS (6) -- .294
Omaha stranded 13.

Mazzaro 5 IP, 5 R (3 ER), 11 H, BB, 3 K -- L, 5-1, 4.74 ERA
Tejeda 3 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 2 HRA -- 3.64 ERA
M. Santiago IP, 2 ER, 2 H, BB, K -- 5.70 ERA

* The Express chugged over the Chasers on Monday. It was 5-0 Round Rock before Omaha got on the board on a Lorenzo Cain RBI single and Irving Falu took a bases-loaded walk in the 7th. Other than that it was a lot of offensive frustration for Omaha. Omaha is 55-47. A 4-game home set with the Albuquerque Isotopes (54-49, AAA Dodgers) starts Tuesday. Mike Montgomery is set to start game 1.

AA - NW Arkansas: Naturals 5, Springfield 4

C S. Perez 4-4, 2 RBI (39), RS -- .284
DH Romak 2-4, K, RS -- .267
LF Robinson 2-4, BB, K, RS, SB (38) -- .278
CF Myers 1-5, 3B, 2 RBI (26), 2 K -- .256
2B Colon 0-4, S, K -- .252
SS Bianchi 1-2, BB, K, RS, SB (14), E (10) -- .274
NWA stranded 10.

Jeffress 3 IP, 3 R (2 ER), 4 H, 2 BB, 2 K, 2 WP, E -- 3.86 ERA
Lebron 3 IP, 3 H, BB, 2 K -- W, 3-1, 3.65 ERA
Hardy 3 IP, ER, H, 2 K, HRA -- SV, 2, 1.72 ERA

* The Naturals took down Cards top prospect starter Shelby Miller to deal him only his 2nd loss of the season. Jeremy Jeffress had the Nats down, 3-0, in the 2nd but Salvador Perez hit an RBI single in the 2nd and Wil Myers hit a 2-run triple in the 3rd to tie the game. An error scored the go-ahead run for NWA in the 6th and Perez singled in a run in the 7th to make it 5-3 Nats. Blaine Hardy gave up a solo homer in the 8th but got the next 4 outs to end it. NWA is 16-14 and a game up on first. A 3-game home set with the Tulsa Drillers (15-15, AA Rockies) starts Tuesday. No announced starter on the team site.

A-Adv. - Wilmington: suspended in 5th tied at 1

* The game will be finished Tuesday and the regular Tuesday game will be shortened to 7 innings. Noel Arguelles will start the regular game.

A - Kane County: Cougars 4, South Bend 2

2B Franco 2-4, RS -- .234
DH Beltre 1-4, HR (3), 2 RBI (27), 2 K, RS -- .245
CF Eibner 1-4, 2B (5), RBI (19), K -- .186
3B Cuthbert 1-4, RBI (35) -- .330
LF Fletcher 1-4, 2B (20), 3 K, RS -- .335

Billo 7 2/3 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 5 K, HRA -- W, 8-2, 1.48 ERA
Caldwell 1 1/3 IP, 2 H, 3 K, WP -- SV, 1, 2.39 ERA

* Greg Billo had another good start to pick up his 8th win. Cheslor Cuthbert hit an RBI single in the 2nd, a run-scoring error in the 3rd made it 2-0, and Geulin Beltre hit a 2-run homer for his 3rd of the season in the 5th to make it 4-0 Cougars. Billo was perfect through 5. A homer and RBI double in the 8th spoiled his shutout. KC is 18-12. A 3-game home set with the Cedar Rapids Kernels (13-17, A Angels) starts Tuesday with Yordano Ventura starting.

Rookie - Idaho Falls: report tomorrow on tonight's game with Missoula

Rookie - Burlington: B-Royals 6, Elizabethton 5

C Swab 3-5, 2B (2), 2 RBI (4), RS -- .208
2B Trapp 2-4, BB, RBI (27), K, RS, SB (14) -- .297
DH Dyer 2-5, 2 RBI (8, including game-winner), 2 K -- .300
1B Watts 1-2, BB, RBI (31), RS -- .290
SS Antonio 1-5, K, RS, SB (8) -- .276
Burlington stranded 12.

A. Baez 4 IP, 4 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 5 K, HRA -- 8.14 ERA
R. Brown 2 IP, ER, 5 H, BB, K -- 2.41 ERA
C. Hall 3 IP, H, BB -- W, 2-0, 10.93 ERA

* The Royals took an early 5-1 lead but had to get a walkoff hit to end it. Angel Baez allowed a solo homer in the 1st but the Royals got 4 runs in their half on a Murray Watts RBI single, a 2-run Kenny Swab double and Jared Dyer RBI single. Justin Trapp hit an RBI single in the 2nd to make it 5-1. Elizabethton tied it by the end of the 5th and it stayed tied at 5 until the 9th. The Royals loaded the bases with singles with 1 out in the 9th and Dyer came through with a walkoff hit to end it. Burlington is 14-20. The series ends Tuesday.

Rookie - AZL: Padres 12, Royals 2 (8/Sun.)

3B Morales 1-2, 2 BB, RBI (5), RS, 3 E -- .304
RF Blanco 1-3, 2B (4), RBI (17), K -- .282
2B DelGuidice 1-3, 2B (12) -- .418

Ogando 2/3 IP, 4 R (3 ER), 4 H, BB, 2 HRA -- L, 0-3, 15.63 ERA, that's his last 3 starts that he hasn't gone more than an IP
J. Soto 2 IP, 6 R (2 ER), 3 H, 2 BB, K, WP -- 9.53 ERA
Edelen 3 1/3 IP, ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 4 K, HRA -- 8.39 ERA
F. Cruz IP, ER, H, 2 K, HRA -- 16.20 ERA

* The Padres were all over Cesar Ogando and Jorge Soto and routed the Royals Sunday. Adrian Morales hit an RBI single in the 1st but Ogando gave up 4 runs, and Soto and Brian Edelen gave up the next 6 in the 2nd and 3rd. Jerico Blanco hit an RBI double in the 5th and that was it for the Royals. They are 10-17 and play the Indians tonight.

Royals on the Farm 7/24

AAA - Omaha: Round Rock 3, Storm Chasers 1

2B Giavotella 2-4, 2B (30) -- .342
1B Robinson 2-4, 2B (23), RS -- .316
SS Zawadzki 1-3, RBI (35), K -- .247
LF Lough 1-4, CS (5) -- .317
RF-CF Cain 0-3, BB -- .318
DH Ka'aihue 0-4, 2 K -- .278

O'Sullivan 6 IP, 2 ER, 7 H, BB, 5 K -- L, 2-2, 4.31 ERA
Pucetas 2 IP, ER, 3 H, BB -- 5.67 ERA
Chavez IP, K -- 3.48 ERA

* Sean O'Sullivan's solid start went for naught as the offense needed him to shut down the Express and he couldn't get it done. Neither team did much until the 5th, when Round Rock stranded 2 and Omaha got a 2-out RBI single from Lance Zawadzki. O'Sullivan finally allowed 2 runs in the 6th and Omaha stranded 2 that inning. Kevin Pucetas allowed an insurance run and the Chasers didn't have any answers. Omaha is 55-46. The series ends Monday with Vin Mazzaro starting.

AA - NW Arkansas: Naturals 11, Springfield 7

C S. Perez 2-4, BB, GS (8), 4 RBI (37), RS -- .273
DH Bianchi 2-5, 2 RBI (40), K, SB (13) -- .273
3B Navarro 2-5, RBI (9), K, RS -- .293
SS Colon 2-5, HR (7), RBI (52), 2 RS -- .255
CF Robinson 2-4, SF, 2B (6), RBI (14), CS (10) -- .274
LF Orlando 2-4, BB, 3B, 2 K, 2 RS -- .321
1B Romak 2-5, 2 K, RS -- .264
2B Seratelli 1-1, 4 BB, 3 RS, SB (27) -- .293
The Nats stranded 10.

W. Smith 7 1/3 IP, 4 ER, 8 H, 2 BB, 4 K -- W, 9-7, 3.99 ERA
Keating 1 2/3 IP, 3 ER, 2 H, BB, 3 K, HRA -- 6.16 ERA

* The Naturals made a run at blowing a 10-1 lead but held on for the win Sunday. Christian Colon got it started with a solo homer in the 1st for his 7th of the season and the Nats heaped on 4 more runs in the 2nd on a Derrick Robinson sac fly, a run-scoring error, and 2-run Jeff Bianchi single to make it 5-0. Springfield scored a run in the 4th but Paulo Orlando tripled and scored on an error in the 6th to make it 6-1. Salvador Perez seemingly put the big nail in the coffin with a grand slam in the 7th for his 8th of the season. Will Smith allowed 3 runs in the 8th before getting pulled. Rey Navarro added an insurance run with an RBI single in the 8th and Patrick Keating served up a 3-run homer in the 9th before finally finishing it. NW Arkansas is 15-14. The series finale is Monday with Jeremy Jeffress starting.

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

3B Whittleman 3-5, HR (16), RBI (50), K, RS, SB (2) -- .240
DH Testa 2-4, 2 2B (21), K, RS -- .259
C T. Jones 2-3, 2B, RS -- .333
2B Batista 0-2, BB, SF, RBI (20), 2 K -- .207
LF Merrifield 1-4, BB, 2B (23), picked off, E (4) -- .262
CF Prades 1-4, BB, 2 RS, SB (7) -- .271
The Rocks stranded 11.

Melville 3 1/3 IP, 4 ER, 5 H, 4 BB, 4 K, WP -- 4.18 ERA, also hit 3 batters
E. Pimentel 1 2/3 IP, BB, 3 K -- 3.67 ERA, don't really get giving him a turn in the pen, hasn't been lockdown but has been passable in 8 of last 10 starts
Dennick 2 IP, 2 ER, 3 H, 3 K -- BS, 2, L, 1-4, 3.82 ERA
Odenbach IP, ER, K -- 3.16 ERA

* A tenuous 5-4 lead fell apart late as Kinston swept the Rocks. Carlo Testa doubled and scored on an error in the 1st and a Deivy Batista sac fly in the 2nd made it 2-0. Tim Melville allowed an RBI triple that scored the hitter as well as a Whit Merrifield error on the play tied the game. John Whittleman smacked his 16th homer in the 3rd and a run-scoring error and run-scoring wild pitch in the 4th made it 5-2 Rocks. Melville allowed a run, then walked in another run before getting pulled in the 4th and Elisaul Pimentel stranded the bases full. The Rocks stranded 2 in the 7th and Ryan Dennick allowed 2 RBI doubles in the 7th to turn the lead around. The Rocks stranded the bases full in the 8th after a 42-minute mid-rally rain delay, and Dusty Odenbach allowed an insurance run in the 8th. The Rocks stranded 1 more in the 9th. Wilmington is 10-19. A 4-game home set with the Potomac Nationals (16-12) starts Monday. Mike Mariot will start the opener.

A - Kane County: Cougars 7, South Bend 5

3B Cuthbert 2-4, BB, 2B (9), 4 RBI (34), K -- .332
CF Eibner 2-5, 2B (4), HR (8), 2 RBI (18), 2 K, 2 RS -- .184
RF Beltre 3-5, RBI (25), 2 K, 2 RS -- .245
LF Pickett 1-3, BB, 3B, RS -- .357

J. Mitchell 5 IP, 4 R (2 ER), 7 H, 3 K -- W, 1-0, 3.60 ERA
Rogers 2 IP, ER, H, K, HRA -- 1.69 ERA
Boruff 2 IP, H, 5 K, balk -- SV, 3, 2.08 ERA

* The Cougars made a 6-0 early lead stick to help Jason Mitchell to a win in his Kane County debut. Cheslor Cuthbert started it with a 2-run double in the 1st, and the Cougs poured on 4 runs in the 2nd on a Geulin Beltre RBI single, Brett Eibner RBI double and 2-run Cuthbert single, putting him on pace for 18 RBI for the game. Of course....it didn't last, but I'm sure he'll take a 4 RBI game. Mitchell allowed 2 runs in the 3rd but Eibner slammed his 8th homer of the season in the 4th to make it 7-2. Mitchell allowed 2 more runs in the 5th and Nick Rogers served up a solo homer in the 6th but the Cougars put the brakes on the South Bend offense from there. Rogers and Chase Boruff retired 9 straight and Boruff struck out the last 2 with a runner at second to pick up his 3rd save. KC is 17-12. The rubber match of the set is Monday as Greg Billo will start.

Rookie - Idaho Falls: Chukars 6, Helena 5 (Sat.)

DH Espy 3-4, SF, 2B (11), 2 RBI (20), K, RS, SB (2) -- .327
2B Mateo 1-3, SF, 2B (4), 2 RBI (16), K -- .347
1B Moreno 2-4, K, RS, E (9) -- .252
3B Threlkeld 1-4, 2B (7), RBI (11), K -- .255
C T. Smith 1-3, RBI (2), RS -- .087

Dooley 6 IP, ER, 4 H, BB, 4 K -- W, 1-3, 8.47 ERA, put together good start for 1st 2011 win
Patton 2 IP, H, BB, K -- 4.57 ERA
Fassold IP, 4 ER, 5 H, K, HRA, E -- 3.38 ERA

* Idaho Falls held off a furious Brewer rally in the 9th to come away with the victory. Richard Espy hit a sac fly in the 1st, Tyler Smith singled in a run in the 2nd, and Mark Threlkeld doubled in a run in the 3rd to piece together a 3-0 Chukars lead. Daniel Mateo added a sac fly in the 5th, and Jonathan Dooley had retired 11 straight entering the 5th when 3 Helena hits scored a run. Espy singled in a run and Mateo hit an RBI double to make it 7-1 IF in the 7th. Cody Fassold gave up an RBI single and 3-run homer in the 9th but he got it finished.

Chukars 9, Helena 1

C Escobar 2-4, 2 HR (3), 4 RBI (9), 2 RS -- .349
3B Threlkeld 2-5, 2 2B (9), 2 RBI (13), K, RS -- .262
2B Mateo 1-5, 2B (5), 2 RBI (18), 2 K -- .340
CF Chism 1-2, 3 BB, HR (5), RBI (18), 2 RS, 2 SB (5) -- .277

Brooks 6 IP, ER, 2 H, BB, 7 K -- W, 2-1, 4.09 ERA
Cuevas 2 IP, BB, 2 K, 2 WP -- 3.00 ERA
Jo. Sanchez IP, H, K -- 6.48 ERA

* Aaron Brooks pitched well and the Chukars used an early barrage to defeat the Brewers yet again. The first 2 Chukars reached in the 2nd, and Edul Escobar went deep for a 3-run shot for his 2nd of the season to make it 3-0 IF. Tyler Chism followed with a 2-out solo homer (his 5th) and Daniel Mateo hit a 2-run double to make it 6-0 before the inning was done. Escobar went deep again in the 3rd for his 3rd homer and second of the game to make it 7-0. Brooks' only damage came on a 3rd inning 1-run rally. Mark Threlkeld hit a 2-out, 2-run double in the 4th and it was up to the pitching staff from there. Brooks, Gary Cuevas and Jose Sanchez finished it without incident to finish the win. IF is 15-18. A 3-game set at the Missoula Osprey (20-12, Rookie D-Backs) starts Monday. Brian Peacock is set to start.

Rookie - Burlington: B-Royals 4, Elizabethton 3

RF Bonifacio 2-3, HBP, 2B (10), SB (2) -- .328
3B Hamblen 1-3, BB, RBI, RS, 2 CS (3) -- .038
C Swab 0-3, BB, RBI (2), E (3) -- .163
2B Trapp 1-5, GW RBI (26), 2 K -- .290
SS Antonio 1-4, RS -- .280

Ridings 5 2/3 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, BB, 7 K -- 3.38 ERA
Culver 1 2/3 IP, ER, 2 H, BB, HRA -- 7.11 ERA
Rivers 1 2/3 IP, H, 4 K -- W, 1-1, 1.02 ERA

* Burlington launched a small comeback in the 6th then got a walkoff single in the 9th on Sunday. Lane Adams tripled and scored on a wild pitch in the 1st and the score stayed 1-0 until the 6th, when Matt Ridings gave up 2 runs and Malcom Culver served up a solo homer to make it 3-1 Twins. Kenny Swab took a bases-loaded walk in the bottom of the inning and Derek Hamblen hit an RBI forceout to tie the game. The Royals stranded 2 in the 8th but put 2 in scoring position with 1 out in the 9th, and Justin Trapp came up with a walkoff single to end it. Burlington is 13-20. Game 2 is Monday.

Rookie - AZL: Royals 7, D-Backs 6 (Sat.)

C Jenkins 3-3, 2B, 3 RBI, RS, E -- 1.000
SS Arteaga 2-5, RBI (11), 2 RS -- .234
3B Morales 1-2, 3 BB, 2B (2), RBI (4), RS -- .286
1B Gaylord 1-3, BB, RBI (12) -- .216
RF J. Blanco 0-3, SF, RBI (16), K -- .280
LF D'Andre Toney had an assist at third.

Lumpkins 4 2/3 IP, 2 R (1 ER), 5 H, 4 BB, 3 K, WP -- 6.86 ERA
J. Morales 2 1/3 IP, 2 ER, 3 H, 3 BB, 3 K -- 5.00 ERA
Witt 2 IP, 2 ER, 2 H, K, HRA -- W, 1-2, 9.60 ERA

* Two Royals relievers were able to stave off the Diamondbacks Saturday as Christian Witt picked up his 1st pro win. The Royals got a runner at the plate to end the D-Backs 1st and answered with 4 runs in the bottom of the inning on RBI doubles by Adrian Morales and Ryan Jenkins, a Brian Gaylord RBI single and Jerico Blanco sac fly. The D-Backs got 2 runs in the 2nd off Stephen Lumpkins. The Royals added 3 in the 4th on a Humberto Arteaga RBI single and 2-run Jenkins single that made it 7-2. The D-Backs got a 2-run triple off Max Morales in the 6th. Witt served up a 2-out, 2-run homer in the 9th but got the last out to pick up the win. The Royals are 10-16. They play the Padres tonight.

Royals on the Farm 7/23

AAA - Omaha: Storm Chasers 6, Round Rock 5 (11)

RF Cain 3-5, HBP, GW RBI (52), RS, OF assist at third -- .321
2B Giavotella 2-6, 2B (29) -- .340
LF Lough 2-4, BB, S, K, RS -- .318
1B Ka'aihue 1-4, BB, 2 RBI (46), K, E -- .283
CF Dyson 1-3, BB, S, 2 RBI (10), RS, E (5), OF assist at third -- .280
DH Robinson 0-3, 2 BB, RBI (65) -- .314
Omaha stranded 12.

Mendoza 6 IP, 4 ER, 9 H, 2 BB, 4 K, WP -- 2.51 ERA
Teaford 2 IP, ER, 3 H, BB, 3 K, HRA -- 3.00 ERA
Sisk 2 IP, 2 H, K -- 1.88 ERA
Santiago IP, BB -- W, 3-3, 5.44 ERA

* Jarrod Dyson had the big hit in the 8th and Lorenzo Cain gave 'em a dose in the 11th to win it for Omaha. Round Rock struck first in the 3rd but Omaha got a bases-loaded walk from Clint Robinson and a 2-run Kila Ka'aihue single in the bottom of the inning to stake a 3-1 lead. The Express tied it off Luis Mendoza in the 5th and took the lead with runs in the 6th and 7th. With 2 out and 2 in scoring position in the 8th, Dyson stepped up with a 2-run single to tie the game. Dyson led off the 11th with a walk and Johnny Giavotella doubled, and after David Lough was walked, Cain hit a walkoff single to end it. Omaha is 55-45. Game 3 is Sunday as Sean O'Sullivan starts.

AA - NW Arkansas: Springfield 8, Naturals 5

C Eigsti 2-4, 2 2B (3), RBI (2), 2 K -- .500
CF Orlando 2-5, K, RS -- .292
SS Colon 1-5, HR (6), 2 RBI (51), RS -- .253
LF Francis 0-3, SF, RBI (17), K -- .274
3B Navarro 0-3, BB, RBI (8) -- .286
RF Myers 0-4, BB, E (5) -- .258
2B Bianchi 1-3, BB, RS, SB (12), E (9) -- .271

E. Garcia 4 IP, 3 R (1 ER), 5 H, BB, 4 K, balk -- 1.29 ERA
Dobies 3 IP, 5 ER, 7 H, HRA -- L, 0-1, 15.00 ERA, what an organizational debut
Herrera 2 IP, H, 3 BB, K -- 1.80 ERA

* The teams traded the lead twice but it was the Cards ending up on top. Springfield took the lead in the 1st then scored 2 in the 3rd off Edgar Garcia to make it 3-0. NWA got on the board with 2 in the 3rd on a Christian Colon 2-run shot for his 6th of the season. Nick Francis hit a sac fly, Rey Navarro hit an RBI groundout and Ryan Eigsti hit an RBI double to make it 5-3 Naturals. Five singles off Andrew Dobies made it 6-5 Cards in the 5th and Dobies gave up a 2-run homer in the 6th to make it 8-5. The Nats stranded 2 in the 9th. NWA is 14-14. Game 3 is Sunday. Will Smith will start.

A-Adv. - Wilmington: Kinston 11, Blue Rocks 8

CF Prades 3-5, K, RS, SB (6), CS (2) -- .271
RF Van Stratten 2-3, BB, SF, 2 RBI (12), 2 RS, 2 SB (6), OF assist at second -- .329
DH Stovall 2-5, 2 RBI (10), 2 K, 2 SB (3) -- .282
SS Mertins 2-5, 2B (3), RBI (6), 2 RS, E (4) -- .269
LF Ferguson 2-4, BB, K, RS -- .214
3B Batista 1-1, 2 BB, S, 2 RBI (19), RS, SB (3), CS (2) -- .209
2B Merrifield 1-3, 2 BB, 2B (22), RS, CS (10) -- .262

Marks 6 IP, 5 ER, 8 H, BB, 7 K, HRA -- 4.70 ERA
Paukovits 2 IP, 6 R (3 ER), 6 H, BB, 3 K, WP -- BS, 2, L, 1-2, 3.32 ERA

* Kinston slapped 11 on the Rocks and an 8th inning rally made the difference. Nick Van Stratten and Ryan Stovall hit RBI singles in the 1st but Justin Marks gave up 3 in the inning. Van Stratten hit a sac fly in the 2nd to tie it and Deivy Batista hit the go-ahead single in the 3rd. Marks held the lead for 2 batters as the Tribe tied it. A wild pitch and Batista squeeze bunt helped the Rocks take a 6-4 lead in the 5th and Kurt Mertins hit an RBI double in the 6th to make it 7-4. Marks gave up a solo homer in the 6th but Stovall singled in a run in the 8th to keep the lead at 3. Bryan Paukovits got the first 2 outs quickly in the 8th, but the third one was a toughie. Five hits, a walk, a 2-run error and RBI single tallied 6 runs to make it 11-8 Kinston. The Rocks went down without a fight in the 9th. Wilmington is 10-18. The series ends Sunday with Tim Melville returning to a starting slot.

A - Kane County: South Bend 4, Cougars 3

C David 3-4, 2B (5) -- .294
LF Fletcher 2-4, 2B (19), HR (8), 2 RBI (37), K, RS -- .337
SS Calixte 2-4, K -- .227
3B Cuthbert 1-3, BB, 2B (8), K -- .328
CF Eibner 0-4, 3 K -- .176

L. Perez 6 IP, 4 ER, 8 H, 2 K, HRA -- L, 2-11, 3.98 ERA
Giovenco 2 IP, 2 H, BB, K, E (2) -- 3.00 ERA

* Kane County bookended its runs and the Silver Hawks did enough in between to win the series opener. Brian Fletcher hit a 2-run homer (his 8th) in the 1st to spot Leondy Perez the lead. South Bend scored a run in the 3rd and then Perez served up a 3-run homer in the 4th to make it 4-2 Hawks. The Cougars stranded 2 in the 7th but looked ready to rally in the 9th as an error on a Kevin David single scored a run and put the tying run at second (tho Orlando Calixte ran into a killer out at third on the play), but the next two batters went down to end it. KC is 16-12. Jason Mitchell will make his Cougar debut in a Sunday spot start.

Rookie - Idaho Falls: Helena 8, Chukars 2 (Fri.)

2B Liberto 2-4, 2B (5), RBI (7), SB (6), E (3) -- .365
3B Threlkeld 2-4, 2 K -- .255
C Escobar 1-4, 2B (8), RBI (5), RS -- .341
LF Chism 0-4, K, OF assist at home -- .273
DH Davis 1-4, K -- .366
RF Elder 1-4, 3 K -- .438

Moen 4 2/3 IP, 4 ER, 6 H, 3 BB, 5 K, balk -- L, 2-1, 7.08 ERA
Penny IP, 4 ER, 3 H, BB, 2 K, HRA -- 10.17 ERA
Middendorf 1 1/3 IP, nothing -- 6.60 ERA
N. Johnson IP, nothing -- 6.00 ERA

* A 2-0 IF lead came and went quickly as the Brewers pulled away for an 8-2 win. Both teams threatened but came up empty in the 2nd. Idaho Falls manager Brian Buchanan got ejected in the 4th (I guess there were two longballs down the left field line in the game called foul that the Chukars disputed) but Edul Escobar and Michael Liberto hit 2-out RBI doubles to make it 2-0 IF. Kellen Moen gave up a 2-run double in the bottom of the inning and then gave up another 2-run double in the 5th before getting pulled. Helena added 4 in the 6th off Robert Penny to make it 8-2. IF stranded 1 in the 7th and that was their last scoring chance, as it ended up. IF is 13-18. Game 3 is tonight.

Rookie - Burlington: Danville 8, B-Royals 3

2B Trapp 2-2, BB, S, RS, CS (3) -- .294
C Swab 2-3, HBP, 2B, PB (4) -- .175
1B Watts 1-4, 2B (5), 2 RBI (30), K -- .288
SS Antonio 1-4, K -- .281

Yambati 2 2/3 IP, 3 R (2 ER), 3 H, BB, 3 K, HRA, pickoff -- 15.88 ERA
Ferguson 3 1/3 IP, H, 4 K -- 3.71 ERA
Graham 2/3 IP, 5 ER, 5 H, HRA -- L, 2-1, 3.27 ERA
Pizziconi 1 1/3 IP, 2 K -- 7.27 ERA

* A 5-run Braves 7th was the key to a Danville win. Danville started with 2 in the 1st and 1 in the 2nd off Robinson Yambati. Murray Watts hit a 2-run double in the 3rd and Burlington tied it in the 5th on a run-scoring wild pitch. Tyler Graham took over in the 7th after 3 1/3 scoreless from Andrew Ferguson and things headed south. A solo homer, 3-run double and sac fly blew it open in Danville's favor. The last 7 Royals went down in order. Burlington is 12-20. A 3-game home set with the Elizabethton Twins (19-13) starts Sunday.

Rookie - AZL: The Royals have jumped on the D-Backs early in tonight's game. Report tomorrow.

Royals on the Farm 7/22

Celebrated my birthday today by taking the day off of work, but I think I'll still crank out a report. Might try to keep the recaps a little shorter, tho.

AAA - Omaha: Storm Chasers 10, Round Rock 4

LF Lough 3-5, 2B (24), HR (5), 2 RBI (46), K, 2 RS, OF assist at second -- .316
C Pina 2-3, BB, 2 RBI (16), RS, picked off runner -- .245
RF Cain 1-4, BB, 3B (6), 2 RBI (51), K, RS, OF assist at home -- .317
1B Robinson 1-5, RBI (64), K, RS -- .317
SS Zawadzki 1-4, BB, 3B (5), RBI (34), K, RS, E (12) -- .245
2B Giavotella 1-3, 2 BB, RS -- .340

Suppan 6 IP, 2 ER, 12 H, 3 BB, 2 K, WP -- W, 9-5, 4.60 ERA, not pretty but got it done
Miner 1 2/3 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 2 K -- 10.80 ERA
Tejeda 1 1/3 IP, 2 BB, 2 K -- 3.38 ERA

* The Chasers slapped up 8 runs in the 5th and 7th combined to chug to a series-opening win. The Chasers were down, 2-0, but a Manny Pina RBI single and David Lough solo homer (his 5th) tied it after 3. Omaha took command with 5 runs in the 5th as Lorenzo Cain hit a 2-run triple, Clint Robinson singled in a run and Lance Zawadzki tripled in a run. They added 3 in the 7th on a Pina RBI single and 2-run error. Zach Miner gave up 2 runs in the 8th and Robinson Tejeda came in to finish it. Omaha is 54-45. Game 2 is Saturday. Luis Mendoza will start.

AA - NW Arkansas: Naturals 11, Springfield 6

LF Seratelli 3-4, BB, 3B (6), 2 RBI (46), 3 RS -- .290, has had seemingly quiet July
C S. Perez 3-4, HBP, HR (7), 5 RBI (33), 3 RS -- .270
3B Lisson 2-4, 2B (15), 2 RBI (34), K -- .254
1B Romak 2-5, 2B (15), K, 2 RS, SB (6) -- .261
CF Orlando 0-2, 2 BB, SF, RBI (4) -- .263
DH Colon 0-4, BB, RBI (49) -- .254
SS Bianchi 0-2, 2 BB, S, K, 2 RS -- .270
RF Myers 0-5, K -- .262

Odorizzi 6 2/3 IP, 2 ER, 7 H, BB, 7 K -- W, 2-0, 4.76 ERA
Keating 1/3 IP, 2 ER, H, BB, HRA -- 5.70 ERA
Chapman 2 IP, 2 ER, 2 H, 2 BB, K -- 3.57 ERA

* The Naturals used 3 rallies to amass 11 runs and defeat the Cards. Anthony Seratelli kickstarted a 4-run 4th with an RBI triple and Mario Lisson added a 2-run double as part of the rally. Salvador Perez followed with a 3-run homer (his 7th) in the 5th. Jake Odorizzi had a couple touchy innings but kept the Cards scoreless until the 7th, when they scored 4 runs on 3 hits, tho a 3-run homer off Patrick Keating did most of the damage. NWA answered with 4 runs in their half as Perez hit a 2-run single and Christian Colon took a bases-loaded walk before the Naturals left it that way. Kevin Chapman gave up 2 runs in the 9th before ending it. NWA is 14-13 and now tied for first while on a 6-game tear. Game 2 is Saturday. Indy league signee lefty Andrew Dobies has been added to the roster as P Manauris Baez was put on the DL with a shoulder injury.

A-Adv. - Wilmington: Kinston 11, Blue Rocks 10

1B Stovall 4-5, HR, RBI (8), RS -- .275
C Jul. Rodriguez 2-4, 2 RBI, RS -- .500, decent organizational debut
RF Van Stratten 2-5, 2B (4), RBI (10), 2 RS -- .234
3B Whittleman 1-5, 2B (20), 2 RBI (49), K, RS -- .234
2B-SS Mertins 1-4, BB, 2 RBI (5), K, 2 RS -- .258
PH-2B Batista 1-2, 2B (12), RBI (17) -- .205
CF Merrifield 1-5, K, RS, SB (19) -- .262
LF Testa 1-4, BB, K, RS, SB (10) -- .255

Sample 5 1/3 IP, 9 ER, 12 H, 2 BB, 2 K, HRA -- 5.42 ERA
Lafferty 2 2/3 IP, 2 ER, 3 H, 2 K, HRA -- L, 2-3, 4.57 ERA

* Tyler Sample got roughed up but somehow didn't take the loss as the Tribe scored 8 runs from the 6th on to get the win. The Rocks scored 4 runs in the 1st and then 2 in the 3rd to stake Sample to a 6-1 lead. Sample took a 6-3 lead into the 6th but he and Brendan Lafferty fell apart for 6 runs allowed that inning. The Rocks answered with a 4-run 7th to make it 10-9, but Lafferty gave up a 2-run homer in the inning and that was it. Ryan Stovall socked a solo homer in the 3rd for his 1st at Wilmington this season. Other than that, as you can see, it was pretty much a team effort. Wilmington is 10-17. Game 2 is Saturday. Justin Marks will start.

A - Kane County: West Michigan 4, Cougars 1

RF Beltre 2-4, 2B (12), RS, SB (9) -- .241
C David 1-3, BB, 2B (4), K -- .255
CF Eibner 0-3, BB, 2 K -- .181
3B Cuthbert 1-4, K -- .328

Adam 4 2/3 IP, 4 ER, 7 H, BB, 2 K -- L, 3-6, 4.91 ERA
A. Cruz 2 1/3 IP, H, BB, 3 K -- 3.01 ERA, organizational debut is a nice one
Hodge IP, BB -- 5.89 ERA

* The Cougars got a run in the 1st but were shutdown thereafter as the Whitecaps salvaged the series finale. The game featured the debut of Antonio Cruz, who most recently was playing with...the Whitecaps. Geulin Beltre led off the game with a double and scored on an error. Jason Adam allowed 2 runs in the 1st and 1 in the 2nd, then gave up a 4th run before getting pulled in the 5th. The Cougars didn't really come close to the kind of rally they needed. KC is 16-11. A 3-game set at the South Bend Silver Hawks (11-16, A Diamondbacks) starts Saturday. Leondy Perez will start game 1.

Rookie - Idaho Falls: Chukars 8, Helena 3 (Thu.)

LF Elder 3-4, BB, 2 2B, 2 RBI (5), RS -- .500
3B Threlkeld 2-5, 2B (6), RBI (10), RS -- .245
RF Davis 2-4, RBI (16), K, RS -- .372
C Escobar 2-4, K, E (5) -- .346
SS Martinez 1-4, 2B (3), RBI (7), K, RS -- .243
1B Espy 0-4, SF, RBI (18), K -- .314
DH Moreno 0-5, RBI (16), 3 K -- .242
CF Chism 0-2, 3 BB, K, 3 RS, OF assist at third -- .283, fairly good night for an 0-fer

B. Martin 6 IP, 3 R (2 ER), 5 H, BB, 6 K, HRA -- W, 2-2, 4.63 ERA
Avinazar 2 IP, 2 K -- 9.00 ERA
Carl IP, 3 K -- 0.69 ERA, K machine, 28 K/3 BB in 13 IP after 28 K/6 BB in 16 IP last season, MOVE HIM UP, he's 23 next month

* Idaho Falls broke out the bats early to make a winner out of Brennon Martin on Thursday. The Chukars scored 3 in the 1st, 1 in the 2nd and 4 in the 3rd to race to an 8-0 lead. Martin was perfect through 3 and gave up a 2-run homer in the 4th, then allowed a run in the 6th before getting pulled in the 7th. Edwin Carl struck out the side in the 9th to put the period at the end of the sentence. Idaho Falls is 13-17. Game 2 is tonight and Helena is currently turning the tables.

Rookie - Burlington: B-Royals 3, Danville 2

SS Trapp 2-5, 2B (9), 3B (3), 2 K, RS, SB (13) -- .282
C Dyer 2-4, 2B (3), PB (2) -- .286
LF Howard 1-2, BB, HBP, RBI, K, RS, E (2) -- .200
2B J. Rodriguez 0-4, RBI (9), K -- .272

M. Murray 6 IP, ER, 2 H, 2 BB, 4 K, pickoff -- W, 1-1, 4.50 ERA
R. Brown 1 1/3 IP, UER, H, 3 K -- 2.16 ERA
Graffeo 1 2/3 IP, H, 3 K -- SV, 4, 0.73 ERA, having a great second season

* The Royals gave Matt Murray enough fuel to pick up his first pro win on Friday. Murray allowed a run in the 2nd but cruised his last 2 innings before handing it off to the pen in the 7th. Meanwhile, the offense got RBIs from Anthony Howard and Jose Rodriguez in the 4th and Justin Trapp doubled and scored on a wild pitch in the 5th. Nick Graffeo allowed a sac fly to the first batter he faced in the 8th but followed with a perfect 9th for his 4th save. He keeps this up maybe he can help Kane County in the playoff push. Burlington is 12-19. The series ends Saturday. C Jin-Ho Shin was knocked woozy (I guess all the way out, at least momentarily) in a home plate collision in Thursday's loss to the Braves and didn't play Friday. That's the kind of interesting stuff they don't put in the game recaps.

Rookie - AZL: Padres 11, Royals 10 (Thu.)

CF Toney 4-5, 2 2B (6), 4 RS, SB (5) -- .380
RF Blanco 2-5, 2B (3), HR (2), 4 RBI (15), RS, OF assist at second -- .291
DH Lane 2-5, 2B (5), 2 RBI (18), 2 K, 2 RS -- .266
SS Arteaga 2-5, 2 RBI (10), K, RS -- .225
2B Garcia 2-4, RS, SB (4), E (9) -- .253
1B Morales 1-3, 2 BB, 2 RBI (3), K, RS, SB -- .263
3B DelGuidice 1-5 -- .420

S. Rosario 3 IP, 6 ER, 7 H, 2 BB, 3 K -- 18.00 ERA, after 2-plus good seasons in the Dominican, first U.S. start not so hot
E. Diaz 2 IP, 3 R (1 ER), 3 H, 2 K -- L, 1-4, 6.43 ERA
Bangs 3 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, BB, 3 K, 2 HRA, WP -- 6.16 ERA
F. Cruz IP, nothing -- 17.00 ERA

* The Royals fell behind, 6-1, came back to lead, 8-6, fell behind, 10-8, and couldn't recover that time. Jerico Blanco clubbed a 3-run homer in a 5-run Royal 3rd, then hit an RBI double in the 6th. D'Andre Toney also had 4 hits and scored 4 runs, as seen above. The Royals are 9-16 and have tonight off, presumably not to celebrate my birthday.

Royals on the Farm 7/21

AAA - Omaha: rainout

* The game has been cancelled as the Chasers and Redbirds don't play again in 2011. A 4-game home set with the Round Rock Express (58-40, AAA Rangers) starts Friday with Sean O'Sullivan starting.

AA - NW Arkansas: Naturals 4, Arkansas 3

CF Orlando 3-4, S, 2B (2), RBI (3), 2 RS -- .294
2B Navarro 3-4, 2B (4), K, RS -- .314
RF Myers 2-4, RBI (24), K -- .268
SS Colon 1-4, S, 2B (10), RBI (48), K, RS -- .257
C S. Perez 0-4 -- .263

Dwyer 6 IP, 3 ER, 5 H, 3 BB, 5 K, HRA, pickoff -- W, 3-9, 6.80 ERA
Hardy 3 IP, H, 4 K, WP -- SV, 1, 1.42 ERA

* A 3-run NW Arkansas 5th came in big on Thursday. Paulo Orlando led off the game with a double and scored on a Wil Myers groundout to get the Naturals started in the 1st. NWA rallied with 2 out in the 5th as Orlando hit an RBI single, Christian Colon hit an RBI double and a Myers single made it 4-0 on a Traveler error. Chris Dwyer pitched well but gave up a 3-run homer in the 6th to cut the lead to 1. Blaine Hardy took it from there in the 7th, tho, to pick up his 1st AA save of 2011. NWA is 13-13. A 4-game home set with the Springfield Cardinals (10-16) starts Friday. Jake Odorizzi will start.

A-Adv. - Wilmington: Myrtle Beach 7, Blue Rocks 5

CF Prades 2-4, 2B (13), 2 K, RS -- .262
RF Van Stratten 1-4, 2 RBI (9), RS -- .309
1B Stovall 1-4, RBI (7), K -- .240
2B Mertins 1-4, RBI (3) -- .259
C Bonilla 1-4, 2B (9), RBI (25), CS, PB (7) -- .207
LF Merrifield 1-4, 2B (21), RS -- .263
DH Testa 0-3, BB, K, RS -- .255

Arguelles 5 IP, ER, 3 H, 3 BB, 4 K, pickoff -- 2.92 ERA
Keck 1 1/3 IP, 6 R (4 ER), 4 H, 3 BB, 3 K, 2 WP -- BS, 1, L, 0-1, 8.44 ERA
Odenbach 1 2/3 IP, BB, K, 2 WP -- 2.92 ERA

* The Rocks took a 5-1 lead in the 6th....and blew it by the 8th. Noel Arguelles allowed a run in the 1st but Jose Bonilla hit an RBI double in the 3rd and the tie held into the 6th. Wilmington loaded the bases with 0 out in the inning and Nick Van Stratten hit a 2-run single and Ryan Stovall and Kurt Mertins rapped RBI singles to make it 5-1. Jon Keck suffered from a run-scoring passed ball and allowed an RBI single in the 6th to trim it to 5-3. Keck walked the bases loaded to start the 7th and allowed a 2-run double before getting pulled for Dusty Odenbach, who threw 2 run-scoring wild pitches to give the Pelicans a 7-5 lead. The last 11 Rocks went down in order. Wilmington is 10-16. A 3-game set at the Kinston Indians (15-10) starts Friday. Tyler Sample will start game 1.

A - Kane County: Cougars 7, West Michigan 6 (15/Wed.)

LF Pickett 3-5, BB, HBP, RBI, K, RS, SB, picked off, OF assist at home -- .375
RF Aparicio 3-6, S, 2B (10), 3 K -- .172
3B Cuthbert 2-7, BB, RBI (30), K -- .329
2B Franco 2-6, BB, HBP, 2 K, 2 RS -- .228
1B Kuebler 2-6, BB, HBP, K, 2 RS -- .211
DH Graterol 2-4 -- .245
C David 1-6, BB, S, RBI (5), RS -- .256
CF Beltre 1-8, RBI (23), 2 K -- .235
SS Calixte 1-7, 2 RBI (15), SB (7) -- .204
The Cougars stranded 16.

Billo 5 IP, ER, 7 H, 2 BB, 4 K -- 1.41 ERA, not his sharpest
Giovenco 2 IP, 2 ER, 3 H, 2 BB -- 4.50 ERA
Boruff 2 IP, 3 ER, 5 H, BB, K, WP -- BS, 2, 2.17 ERA
Caldwell 5 IP, 2 H, BB, 6 K -- W, 4-0, 2.52 ERA, he has been impressive
Rogers IP, K -- SV, 3, 0.96 ERA

* Kane County gave up a 3-run lead in the 9th on Wednesday but survived to win in 15. Orlando Calixte hit an RBI groundout in the 2nd and, after Greg Billo stranded the bases loaded in the 2nd, Kevin David singled in a run, Cheslor Cuthbert hit an RBI groundout and Geulin Beltre singled in a run in the 3rd to make it 4-0 KC. Two walks haunted Billo in the 4th as the Whitecaps got a run, but Jovan Pickett gunned down a runner at the plate to end the inning. KC stranded the bases full in the 7th and West Michigan tallied 2 in the inning off Mike Giovenco. Pickett hit an RBI single in the 8th and Calixte hit an RBI single in the 9th to give the Cougars a somewhat comfortable 6-3 lead entering the bottom of the 9th. An RBI single and sac fly cut the lead to 1 and Chase Boruff gave up an RBI double to tie the game. Jake Kuebler broke the stalemate with an RBI groundout in the 15th and Nick Rogers pitched a perfect 15th for his 3rd save in support of Allen Caldwell, who threw 5 good innings of relief.

Cougars 7, West Michigan 6 (10)

SS Calixte 4-5, 4 RBI (19), K, SB (8) -- .225
DH Beltre 2-5, RBI (24), K, RS, CS (7) -- .238
3B Franco 2-4, BB, K, RS -- .232
1B Kuebler 2-5, 2B (8), 2 K, RS -- .216
RF Aparicio 2-5, K, 2 RS -- .178
LF Fletcher 1-4, 2 K, RS -- .333
CF Eibner 0-4, BB, 2 K, E -- .185

Garrido 5 IP, 4 ER, 7 H, BB, 5 K, WP -- 5.74 ERA
C. White 2 IP, ER, H, BB, K -- 9.00 ERA
Byrne 3 IP, UER, H, BB, 3 K -- W, 3-1, 3.47 ERA

* The Cougars and Whitecaps played extra baseball again on Thursday but the Cougars were the ones to tie it in the 9th and snatch the win in the 10th. West Michigan rapped out 4 runs off Santiago Garrido in the 3rd and the lead held into the 6th. Geulin Beltre broke the goose-egg with an RBI single in the 6th and an Orlando Calixte single scored 2 runs when combined with an error in the 7th to cut the lead to 4-3. Cole White allowed a run in the 7th but Calixte came through with another 2-run single in the 8th to tie the game at 5. Chas Byrne allowed the go-ahead run in the 8th and the Cougars had a man at first with 2 out in the 9th and things looking dire. An Angel Franco single turned into a gamechanger as a throwing error on LF Jason Krizan allowed Julio Aparicio to score the tying run. It was Calixte who came through again in the 10th as an RBI single gave the Cougars the lead, and Byrne worked around a run in the 9th to pick up his 3rd win. KC is 16-10. Jason Adam will try to pitch the Cougars to the sweep on Friday.

Rookie - Idaho Falls: A 4-game set at the Helena Brewers (14-15) starts tonight. IF is up 8-2 in the middle innings.

* Report tomorrow.

Rookie - Burlington: Danville 5, B-Royals 4

RF Bonifacio 4-5, HR (4), 2 RBI (16), RS -- .330
CF Adams 3-5, 2B (2), RBI (4), K, RS -- .318
SS Trapp 2-5, K, picked off, E (12) -- .277
3B Bringas 2-4 -- .235
1B Dyer 1-4, 2B (2), RBI (6), K, E (2) -- .258

Cantrell 4 1/3 IP, 5 ER, 7 H, 4 K, 2 WP -- L, 0-3, 6.86 ERA
Culver 1 2/3 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, K -- 7.27 ERA
Rivers 2 IP, BB, K, pickoff -- 1.13 ERA

* Burlington outhit the Braves on Thursday but couldn't outscore them. The Royals started the game with 3 straight singles as Jorge Bonifacio's brought home a run but that was all the Royals would get. Unfortunately Eric Cantrell gave up 2 RBI doubles in the bottom of the inning. Lane Adams doubled in the tying run in the 3rd but was thrown out at third on the play, then Justin Trapp was thrown out at the plate to end the inning. Royals manager Nelson Liriano was ejected in a Danville 3rd that saw the Braves regain a 3-2 lead. Jared Dyer hit an RBI double in the 4th and Bonifacio went deep for his 4th homer of the season in the 5th to make it 4-3 Burlington. Cantrell allowed a run before getting pulled in the 5th and Malcom Culver would give up the go-ahead run before the inning was done. The Royals threatened in the 8th but Jin-Ho Shin was thrown out at home on an Adrian Bringas single and a Dyer double play ball killed the threat. The Royals wouldn't rally in the 9th. Burlington is 11-19. Game 2 is Friday. P Jason Mitchell has been promoted to Kane County.

Rookie - AZL: Royals 5, Mariners 4 (Wed.)

SS Arteaga 3-5, K, RS, picked off -- .216
CF Gore 2-4, 2B, 2 RBI (4), K -- .300
LF Toney 2-5, 2B (4), RBI (14) -- .348
2B DelGuidice 2-4, 2B (11), 2 RS -- .434
C Lane 0-5, RBI (16) -- .257

Runion 1 2/3 IP, 3 H, BB, K -- 2.45 ERA
A. Williams 3 1/3 IP, 4 R (3 ER), 6 H, 3 K, balk -- 4.80 ERA
Stueve 4 IP, 2 H, 7 K -- W, 1-0, 0.76 ERA

* A late rally turned a Royals deficit into a Royal victory. A run-scoring error gave the Royals the lead in the 1st but the M's tied it in the 3rd. Brian Gaylord led off the 4th with a triple and scored on a Travis Lane groundout to make it 2-1 Royals. The lead didn't last a half-inning as the Mariners tied it off Ali Williams. Williams gave up 2 more runs in the 5th and the Royals were down, 4-2. Nick DelGuidice hit a 1-out double in the 7th and scored on a D'Andre Toney single to close the deficit to 1, but the Royals left the bases full. Two 2-out singles in the 8th gave the Royals a glimmer of hope and it was Terrance Gore who capitalized with a 2-run double to turn the game around. Andrew Stueve sidestepped a double in the 9th to finish a strong outing. The Royals are 9-15. They play the Padres tonight.

Royals on the Farm 7/20 -- Mendoza's no-hitter vanishes again

Yes, today the Pacific Coast League officially stripped Luis Mendoza of his Monday no-hitter, so they have ruled the 9th inning error to actually be a hit. Ah, the twists and turns of life in the minors. KC made a trade today in flipping Wilson Betemit to division rival Detroit for two single A prospects -- lefty Antonio Cruz, 19, who was in the MWL (2-6, 3.11 in 22 games) and will join Kane County; and C Julio Rodriguez, 21, who was hitting .283 in the Advanced-A Florida State League and was on the FSL all-star team this season. He had 1 HR and 27 RBI in 66 games and will play for the Blue Rocks in Wilmington. Mike Aviles got shuttled back to KC to take Betemit's roster slot. Now how about we get one of our top 5 picks signed? Hmmm?

AAA - Omaha: Memphis 6, Storm Chasers 5 (14/Tue.)

C Pina 3-5, S, HR (5), RBI (14), 2 RS -- .237
2B Giavotella 3-7, RBI (65), 2 K -- .337
DH Ka'aihue 2-6, RBI (44), 2 K -- .288
3B Zawadzki 2-6, 3B (4), K, RS -- .245
RF Dyson 1-7, RBI (8), 3 K, SB (24) -- .274
LF Lough 0-4, BB, S, K, RS -- .310
1B Robinson 0-5, BB, 3 K -- .319
CF Cain 0-5, BB, 2 K, RS -- .319

Mazzaro 6 2/3 IP, 3 ER, 8 H, 2 BB, 7 K, HRA, WP -- 4.70 ERA
Tejeda 2/3 IP, ER, H, BB -- 3.55 ERA
Sisk 2/3 IP, ER, H -- 2.19 ERA
Chavez 2 IP, 2 H, BB, K -- BS, 5, 3.56 ERA
M. Santiago 3 1/3 IP, ER, 2 H, 5 BB, 4 K -- L, 2-3, 5.56 ERA

* Tuesday night's marathon turned into one because the Chasers couldn't hold a late lead, then became a Memphis win in the 14th. Lance Zawadzki tripled and scored on a Johnny Giavotella RBI single in the 3rd, then a wild pitch and Jarrod Dyson RBI single in the 5th made it 3-0 in support of Vin Mazzaro. Manny Pina led off the 7th with his 5th homer of the season and Mazzaro held strong into the 7th. He stepped on a figurative landmine as Mike Jirschele left him in 1 pitch too long and a 3-run homer cut it to 4-3. Kila Ka'aihue got 1 run back with an RBI single in the 8th but Robinson Tejeda allowed a run in the 8th to cut it back to 5-4. Brandon Sisk allowed a leadoff double in the 9th and was pulled for Jesse Chavez, who allowed the game-tying sac fly. Omaha's next chance came in the 13th when the Chasers stranded 2. They did that again in the 14th and their luck ran out in the bottom of the inning as Mario Santiago walked 2 (one intentionally) and allowed a walkoff single.

Memphis 6, Storm Chasers 4 (Wed.)

2B Giavotella 3-5, 2 RS -- .340
LF Lough 2-5, K, RS -- .311
CF Dyson 2-4, 2 SB (26) -- .280
RF Cain 1-4, BB, 2 RBI (49), 2 K -- .318
SS Zawadzki 1-4, HR (6), RBI (33), K, RS -- .245
DH Robinson 1-4, K -- .318
1B Ka'aihue 0-3, BB -- .284

Montgomery 5 IP, 5 ER, 6 H, 3 BB, 2 K, HRA -- L, 3-6, 5.33 ERA
Pucetas 3 IP, ER, 3 H, 4 K, WP -- 5.70 ERA

* A late Omaha surge came up short Wednesday. Mike Montgomery started his night by walking the leadoff guy in the 1st, then serving up a 2-run homer to SS Tyler Greene. Johnny Giavotella singled and scored on a wild pitch in the 3rd but Greene struck again to double in a run in the 3rd to make it 3-1. Montgomery was pulled with 2 on and 0 out in the 6th and Kevin Pucetas allowed 3 runs to come home before escaping the jam. Lance Zawadzki clubbed his 6th homer for a solo shot in the 7th and Lorenzo Cain hit a 2-run single in the 8th, but Omaha would strand 2 in both the 8th and 9th. Omaha is 53-45. The series ends Thursday as Sean O'Sullivan starts. P Everett Teaford was shuttled back to Omaha.

AA - NW Arkansas: Naturals 4, Arkansas 3

1B Romak 2-5, picked off -- .258
2B Bianchi 2-4, 2 K, RS, SB (11) -- .272
3B Navarro 2-3, S, RBI (7) -- .288
SS Colon 1-5, RBI (47) -- .254
C S. Perez 1-3, BB, 2B (14), RBI (28), RS, E (9) -- .267
RF Orlando 1-4, 2B, RBI (2), RS -- .154
CF Myers 0-3, 2 BB, K, E (4) -- .264

Jeffress 4 IP, ER, 6 H, 3 BB, K -- 2.25 ERA
Lebron 4 IP, 2 R (1 ER), 6 H, 4 K -- W, 2-1, 3.92 ERA
Chapman IP, K -- SV, 2, 3.05 ERA

* Christian Colon came up with a key hit in the 9th to help the Nats to the win. Arkansas plated a run in the 1st off Jeremy Jeffress but Jeffress, while never coasting, didn't allow any more damage over his 4 innings of work. NWA took the lead in the 4th as Rey Navarro singled in a run and Paulo Orlando hit an RBI forceout. Willy Lebron allowed the tying run in the 5th but Salvador Perez hit an RBI double in the 6th. Arkansas tied it again in the 6th. Orlando led off the NWA 9th with a double, advanced on a Derrick Robinson bunt, then scored on a Colon single. Kevin Chapman then pitched a perfect 9th for his 2nd save. NW Arkansas is 12-13. The series ends Thursday with Chris Dwyer starting.

A-Adv. - Wilmington: Blue Rocks 6, Myrtle Beach 3

DH Van Stratten 3-5, RBI (7) -- .313
LF Merrifield 2-4, S, HR (4), RBI (30), 2 RS, CS (9) -- .263
SS Hall 2-4, 2 RBI (5), RS, SB (3) -- .230
1B Stovall 2-5, 2B (8), RBI (6), K, RS, SB -- .239
2B Mertins 2-5, 2B (2), RS -- .259
RF Testa 2-5, K -- .258

Mariot 7 IP, 3 R (1 ER), 9 H, BB, 3 K -- W, 6-2, 3.03 ERA
Dennick 2 IP, 2 H, BB, 2 K -- SV, 4, 3.51 ERA

* The Rocks turned it on late to pull away from the Pelicans. Ryan Stovall hit an RBI groundout in the 1st and Myrtle Beach responded with 2 runs in the bottom of the inning off Mike Mariot. Whit Merrifield tied it with a 5th inning homer for his 4th of the season but the Pelicans snatched the lead back in the inning. Stovall singled and scored on a wild pitch to tie it in the 6th, and Nick Van Stratten hit the go-ahead single in the 7th. Gerard Hall singled in 2 runs in the 8th and Ryan Dennick finished the last 2 innings for his 4th save. Wilmington is 10-15. The series ends Thursday. Noel Arguelles will start.

A - Kane County: the game is tied at 6 in the 14th

* More to come tomorrow. The Cougs blew a 3-run lead in the 9th in this one.

Rookie - Idaho Falls: Chukars 10, Missoula 1 (Tue.)

CF Chism 2-4, BB, HR (4), 2 RBI (17), K, 2 RS -- .288
RF Davis 2-3, BB, 2B (8), 2 RBI (15), RS, SB (4) -- .365
1B Espy 2-3, BB, 2B (10), RBI (17), 2 RS -- .327
DH Elder 1-3, BB, 2 RBI (3), RS -- .375

Peacock 6 2/3 IP, ER, 4 H, 3 BB, 7 K -- W, 1-3, 4.41 ERA
Cuevas 1 1/3 IP, H, BB, K -- 3.86 ERA
Fassold IP, 2 K -- 0.00 ERA

* Brian Peacock put together a quality start and the offense gave him plenty of fuel on Tuesday. Chris Elder broke the ice with an RBI single in the 2nd and Richard Espy doubled in a run in the 3rd. Peacock picked up steam as he struck out the side in the 4th and took a no-hitter into the 5th. IF added 3 in the 4th on a run-scoring error and a 2-run homer by Tyler Chism for his 4th of his career. A passed ball and 2-run Runey Davis double in the 5th stretched the lead to 8-0. Peacock finally surrendered a run in the 7th and was pulled with 2 on and 2 out. The Chukars doubled that up in the 7th as a 2-run error made it 10-1. Gary Cuevas and Cody Fassold mopped it up from there. The Chukars are 12-17. They have today off.

Rookie - Burlington: Bluefield 16, B-Royals 5

CF Adams 2-4, BB, RS -- .282
2B Rodriguez 2-4, K -- .288
LF Conner 2-4, 2 K, RS -- .303
3B Bringas 1-4, BB, HR (4), 3 RBI (11), RS -- .221
1B Watts 1-3, 2 BB, RBI (28), 2 K, RS -- .290
C Shin 1-4, SF, RBI (4), PB (3) -- .224
The Royals stranded 11.

A. Baez IP, 7 R (6 ER), 3 H, 3 BB, WP -- L, 0-3, 7.94 ERA
C. Hall 3 1/3 IP, 8 ER, 7 H, BB, 2 K, 3 HRA, WP -- 13.91 ERA
A. Gonzalez 2/3 IP, ER, 4 H, 2 K -- 13.50 ERA
Pizziconi 3 IP, H, BB, 2 K, WP -- 7.88 ERA

* Bluefield routed the Royals on Wednesday. The Jays started it with 4 in the 1st off Angel Baez, then added 6 in the 2nd off Baez and Cory Hall. Murray Watts was thrown out at home to end the Burlington 2nd and a 2-run homer in the 3rd made it 12-0 Jays. The Royals left 'em loaded in the 5th and the Jays poured it on with 4 that inning. The Royals got on the board in the 7th with a bases-loaded Watts walk, Jin-Ho Shin sac fly and 3-run Adrian Bringas homer for his 4th of the season. The Royals stranded the bases full again in the 9th. The B-Royals are 11-18. A 3-game set at the Danville Braves (14-15) starts Thursday.

Rookie - AZL: Brewers 7, Royals 3 (Tue.)

3B Morales 4-4, 2B, 2 RS -- .308
1B Gaylord 1-4, RBI (11), CS -- .213
LF Blanco 1-3, SF, RBI (11) -- .286
SS DelGuidice 0-4 -- .430
RF Anthony Howard and CF D'Andre Toney had assists at third.

Ogando 2/3 IP, 3 ER, 3 H, 3 BB, K -- L, 0-2, 14.25 ERA
Edelen 3 1/3 IP, 2 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 4 K -- 9.28 ERA
J. Soto 2 IP, 2 ER, 3 H, 2 BB -- 9.82 ERA
Bangs 2 IP, BB, 2 K -- 6.19 ERA

* The Brewers scored 5 early runs and held the Royals at arm's length from there. Cesar Ogando didn't survive the 1st as he got pummeled for 3 hits, 3 walks and 3 runs, and Brian Edelen came in and ended up stranding the bases full. An error scored the first Royals run in the 2nd but the Brewers scored 2 in the 2nd before stranding the bases full again. Brian Gaylord singled in a run in the 3rd and a Jerico Blanco sac fly in the 6th pared it to 5-3. The Brewers got 2 runs back off Jorge Soto in the 6th and a bases-loaded double play ended the Royals' last best chance in the 9th. The Royals are 8-15. They play the Mariners tonight.