The Royals did such a good job of maximizing their hits in the three-game sweep over the Rockies that Wednesday’s 4-2 victory was a so-so effort.
Kansas City collected eight hits on Wednesday, the exact number it had in each of the first two games against the Rockies. But the Royals scored eight and seven runs, respectively, in those first two games.
In the first two months when the Royals struggled on offense, they had trouble producing runs even after a leadoff double or with a runner on third with less than two outs.
“(Tuesday night) we capitalized on a couple of errors, which helps you score runs without getting base hits,” Mark Teahen said.
The Royals also did that Wednesday night, scoring an unearned run.
But the Royals definitely are getting more two-out hits, swinging the bat better with two strikes and smacking more extra-base hits, which leads to more run production.
“I think we are finding ways to get on base,” Teahen said. “We are obviously hitting more home runs and extra-base hits in general help you score more runs.
“We are just making the most of our opportunities and getting the clutch hits when guys are on base.”
It appears the Royals have battled through those tough times when they didn’t take advantage of scoring chances.
“It was one of those things when we didn’t have success in that situation a few times and we weren’t giving ourselves that situation too often,” Teahen said. “When we did get it, we were pressing a little bit.
“Now we have guys swinging the bat and we are getting in that situation a little more often and we feel that much more comfortable.”
Video coincidence
In the bottom of the eighth inning Wednesday evening, José Guillen jogged to first on a grounder to third. The throw pulled Todd Helton off the bag, but Guillen maintained his same speed, allowing Helton to tag Guillen out.
Royals fans booed Guillen for what they viewed as a lack of hustle.
The Royals reaction: When Colorado changed pitchers, the scoreboard showed several of Guillen’s home runs in the series against the Yankees. It appeared to be an attempt to remind fans how valuable Guillen’s bat has been in the lineup over the last month.
Chris DeRuyscher, director of game entertainment, said it was an ironic moment. They had planned to show some of the Royals’ big home runs if there was a pitching changing in the eighth.
DeRuyscher also pointed out that they also showed video of Teahen hitting a home run and Teahen was the next batter up after Guillen.
Gload heats up
First baseman Ross Gload has heated up at the plate in the last few games and has provided some key hits during the Royals’ five-game winning streak. He went three for three Wednesday, raising his average to .261.
“I can’t say enough about Ross sticking with it,” Royals manager Trey Hillman said. “He had trouble getting it going and getting some momentum with consistency of hits.
“He’s hit a lot of balls hard. He’s finally getting some balls to fall.”
In the last four games, Gload is eight for 14, raising his average from .235.
Pimentel in Futures
Right-hander Julio Pimentel will pitch for the World Team in the All-Star Futures game July 13 at Yankee Stadium. Pimentel, 22, is 3-8 with a 5.40 ERA in 15 starts for Class AA Northwest Arkansas.
Tickets going fast
The Royals announced Thursday afternoon that only scattered single tickets remain for Saturday night’s game against the Cardinals. There is a limited availability of tickets for Friday’s and Sunday’s games.
The Royals are advising fans to arrive early to avoid traffic and longer will-call lines.
Pitching matchups
In tonight’s opener of the final interleague series of the season, the Royals will throw Gil Meche, 5-8, 4.91 ERA, against St. Louis right-hander Joel Pineiro, 2-3, 3.86.
On Saturday, Kyle Davies, 3-0, 3.12 ERA, will take on either lefty Mark Mulder or right-hander Mitchell Boggs. Mulder has been on the disabled list all season.
On Sunday, Brian Bannister, 7-6, 4.47, faces right-hander Braden Looper, 9-5, 4.22.
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