Royals rally for 6-5 win in 11 innings against Baltimore

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“There were a couple of good pitches that were hit,” Greinke said, “and a couple of bad pitches that were hit. It wasn’t like they were softly hit balls. There were a bunch of (extra-base) hits. All back to back.”

Burres departed with that 5-1 lead after Mark Teahen’s leadoff single in the sixth.

The Royals then scored twice against former Royal Ryan Bukvich before the inning ended and pulled to within 5-4 when Dennis Sarfate committed a balk with runners at first and third in the seventh.

Aviles nearly pulled the Royals even with a high drive to deep left with one out in the eighth against Jim Johnson, but the ball hooked foul. Aviles then struck out, and Johnson ended the inning by retiring Grudzielanek on a close play at first.

That replays suggested Grudzielanek was safe only heightened the Royals’ frustration. Sherrill retired the first two hitters in the ninth before Olivo tied the game with his ninth homer.

“He’s got great stuff,” Olivo said. “He’s been pitching great all year. And those first two pitches — nobody can hit a nasty pitch. But then I saw a hanging breaking ball. In that situation, I’m going to swing the bat.”

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To reach Bob Dutton, Royals reporter for The Star, call 816-234-4352 or send e-mail to bdutton@kcstar.com