Royals notebook: Bannister looks to continue day-game dominance

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“The last time I saw him pitch,” Hillman recalled, “we were winning a championship in Japan in 2006.”

Okajima, 32, compiled a 2.14 ERA in 55 games for Hillman and the Nippon Ham Fighters in 2006 before signing a two-year deal with the Red Sox for $2.5 million with a club option for 2009 at $1.75 million.

Looking back

It was four years ago today — May 22, 2004 — that Zack Greinke made his big-league debut by allowing two runs and five hits in five innings at Oakland.

“My main memory,” he said, “was a bases-loaded slow curve to Eric Chavez with two outs in the fifth inning. He made an out.”

Greinke handed over a two-run lead and was in position to get the victory until the A’s forced extra innings when Chavez hit a two-run homer with two outs in the ninth inning against Jeremy Affeldt.

Chavez’s homer came after an error by shortstop Angel Berroa extended the inning. Oakland won 5-4 in 11 innings on Bobby Crosby’s two-out RBI single against Scott Sullivan.

Etc.

•Alex Gordon had two walks and a single in his first three plate appearances after reaching base all four times in Tuesday’s game. His streak ended at seven when he struck out in the seventh.

•Closer Joakim Soria made his first appearance since signing his three-year contract extension for $8.632 million on Saturday. He worked a scoreless eighth inning but required 28 pitches. He allowed one single and two walks before standing all three runners.

•Boston starter Bartolo Colon is 15-7 in his career against the Royals, including 8-2 in his last 10 starts.

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