Royals Roll Over Grenade Launchers, 14-2
With 3 games to go and after a morning loss by the Dodos, the Royals controlled their own destiny for a playoff berth. But with a few key contributors out, they were looking for someone to step up and lead the way. While the offense did it's job (every Royal scored at least one run), veteran Mike Miller put the team on his shoulders and threw 6 innings of 2-run ball to secure the victory, leaving the Royals with a magic number of 2.
The last time these two squads met, it took a walk-off hit by Chris Powell to lead the Royals to victory. Without him, the offense would need a team effort. Sean Spires would lead off the 1st with a single. All-star Dan "Ted Moseby" Lebsock would single, and Brett Kahanowitch would bring home Spires with a double, giving the Royals a 1-0 lead.
All-star Mike Miller would take the mound and work a quiet first, bringing the Royals back to the plate. All-star Dominic Archey would get hit by a pitch and move to second on a Jay Wasserman single. Archey and Wasserman would execute a double steal, and Chris "Crispy Bacon" Blum would walk to load the bases. Jason Bolding would hit a sac fly to left to plate one, and after Sean Spires walked, Dan Lebsock would crush a 3-run double to give the Royals a 5-0 lead.
Miller would get into a little trouble in the second after a hit batsman and a squib single, but Ryan Elliott would bail him out with a leaping grab at third, turning a 5-3 double play with runners on the corners. That would inspire the Royals offense.
Wasserman would lead off with a double, and after an Archey walk, Elliott and Blum would each single home one. Bolding would double home another, and after a Sean Spires walk to load the bases, Lebsock would hit a sac fly to plate the 4th run of the inning. Kahanowitch would triple home a pair, and Miller would single home another, giving the Royals a 12-0 lead after 2.5 innings.
Miller would strike out a pair in the 3rd, and work another quiet inning in the 4th, giving the Royals time to regroup. Leading off the 5th, Spires would single, and Lebsock would reach on a fielder's choice. Miller would walk, and 2 runs would score on a series of wild pitches.
Miller would strike out another pair in the 5th, and after a quiet top of the 6th by the Royals, the Grenade Launchers would finally put up some offense. With 2-outs and a man on first, a double to right center and a single would plate one and put runners on the corners. An errant throw would plate another before the inning would end, and the boys in baby blue would lead 14-2 after 6.
The Royals would elect to keep playing through the mercy and would continue the scoring. Dennis King III would walk and score after back-to-back hits by Spires and Lebsock. After a Kahanowitch walk, Miller would hit a sac fly to deep center to plate another, and the Royals would have a 16-2 lead.
Jay Wasserman would take over on the mound for the Royals, capping Miller's day at 84 pitches. After a hit batsman on his first pitch (he didn't even get to hit the bullpen), he would induce a double play ground ball on his 3rd pitch. The runner would slide hard into 2nd, spiking the shortstop several feet behind the bag. A little pushing would ensue along with a half-punch thrown by the baserunner, and the field umpire would warn the runner. As play was starting to resume, another GL player would come out of the dugout, yelling and threatening players on the field. The game was called by the plate umpire at the request of the Royals, as there's no need to be fighting during Sunday baseball, especially in a game that was so lopsided. The GL would post the score as a 1-0 win for their team, but that decision would be ignored by the league, and the score was rolled back to the last completed inning. Keep it classy, Grenade Launchers!
A special congrats goes out to Mike Miller, who knocked in his 200th career rbi in the 6th inning - a tribute to his longevity in the league. This was also his 10th career victory on the mound, showing that he's definitely better with the bat than on the bump!
Pitching
Mike Miller, 6IP, 0ER, 4K, 6H, BB, HBP
Jay Wasserman - .2IP, 0R, 0H, 0BB, HBP
Batting
Sean Spires - 3-3, 4R, 2BB
Dan Lebsock - 3-4, 2B, R, 5RBI, SACF
Brett Kahanowitch - 2-4, 2B, 3B, R, 3RBI, BB
Jay Wasserman - 2-4, 2B, R, HBP, SB(!!!)
Ryan Elliott - 2-4, 2R, RBI
Mike Miller - 1-3, R, 2RBI, BB, SACF
Chris Blum - 1-3, 2R, RBI, BB
Jason Bolding - 1-2, 2B, R, 2RBI, BB, SACF
Dominic Archey - 0-2, 2R, BB, HBP, SB
Dennis King III - 0-1, R, BB
The Royals are excited to announce their 2014 All Star selections: Chris Powell (as a batter, leads team with 22 hits, 18 runs, 9
hit by pitches and 2 walk-off hits, second with .478 avg and 9 walks; as a pitcher, leads the team with 10 appearances, 4 wins and 31 strikeouts), Daniel Lebsock (leads team with 22 hits, 5th with .407 avg, leads universe with 14 runners caught stealing from behind the plate), Mike Miller (leads team with 7 extra base hits, 2nd with 16 rbis, 3rd with 21 hits and 14 runs, 6th with .382 avg) and alternate Dominic Archey (leads team with 1 home run and 11 walks, 2nd with 16 runs, 3rd with .444 avg, 4th with 11 rbis, 5th with 16 hits.)
***
The Royals showed their skills in the 2014 All Star Game, leading their team to a 17-13 victory. Daniel Lebsock went 2 for 4 with 1 run and 1 rbi, swiping home while the defense was asleep to tie up the game in the middle innings. Mike Miller went 2 for 4 with a double, 2 runs scored and 2 rbis, making a web-gem catch over his shoulder running into right field to end the game. But Dominic Archey had the biggest day of all, going 3 for 4 with 2 runs, 2 rbis, a walk, 2 singles and a MAMMOTH 380-foot home run off the scoreboard in right-center. Even former Royals Michael Nayhouse and Daniel Sloan got into the act, combining to go 5 for 8 with a home run. Great job guys!
Royals and Team Easton Ignore Defense, Score Often
The Royals knew that Team Easton would be a tough game, but I don't think anyone expected what happened. The two teams combined for 33 runs on 30 hits and 5 errors. The teams would tie up the score 3 times before Team Easton would escape by throwing out the tying run at home on a controversial call in the last inning to end the game.
Sean Spires would lead off the game with a walk and a steal of second (go figure.) Brett Kahanowitch would get hit by a pitch, and Mike Miller would loop a single into right to load the bases. Jay "Mr. RBI" Wasserman would come through with a sac fly to center to give the Royals an early 1-0 lead.
Mathew Gonzalez would take the hill for the Royals, but barely make it out of the 1st. He would give up 8 runs, with the last 3 coming on a towering home run. In the second, another run would score and chase Gonzalez from the game, and Wasserman would take over and end the rally, but Team Easton would lead 9-1.
The Royals have a potent offense as well, and it showed in the top of the 3rd. Jason Bolding would lead off with a line drive single. Spires would follow with a single, but after 2 quick outs, it looked like the rally was over. Mike Miller would line a ball into shallow left, just in front of a diving fielder to plate 1. Wasserman would double home another, and Dan Lebsock would single home a pair. Dominic Archey would double, and Chris Blum would single home another pair. Taylor Kahanowitch would double for his first hit as a Royal, and after Chris Powell would get hit by a pitch to load the bases, Jason Bolding would double home a pair for his second hit of the inning, tying the game at 9 each.
Wasserman would work a quiet bottom of the 3rd, and the Royals would continue in the 4th. Ryan Elliott would lead off with a walk, and designated runner Greg Falk would swipe second. After a Brett Kahanowitch walk, Mike Miller would ground the ball to second, but a bad throw would plate one. Wasserman would hit his second sac fly of the day to plate another, and the Royals would lead 11-9.
Move to the bottom of the 5th, and a 2-run home run off Wasserman would tie things back up again. Mike Miller would walk and move to second on a fielder's choice. Dan Lebsock would double him home, giving the Royals a 12-11 lead.
Team Easton would get to Wasserman and plate 2 more, and the Royals would bring in flame thrower Taylor Kahanowitch. He would be a bit wild (4 walks and 2 wild pitches) and Easton would retake the lead 14-12.
In the top of the 7th, the Royals would respond yet again. Chris Blum would walk and Taylor Kahanowitch would double. Chris Powell would ground out to first to plate 1, and with 2 outs, Sean Spires would double home another to tie things up at 14-all.
Easton would plate 3 more in the bottom of the 7th on 2 errors, a walk and a double. Chris Powell would come in to limit the damage, but with time about to run out, the Royals would trail 17-14.
Brett Kahanowitch and Mike Miller would lead off the 8th with back-to-back singles, and one out later, Dan Lebsock would single to load the bases. Dominic Archey would walk, bringing home one. Chris Blum would follow with a ground ball to short. A bad throw to first allowed one run to score, with Lebsock rounding third and trying to tie the game. A high throw to the plate with a swipe tag by the catcher, matched with a great hook slide by Lebsock would follow. Unfortunately, the umpire felt the catcher made the play (both the catcher and Lebsock did everything right), and Team Easton would escape with a 17-16 victory.
Congrats to Team Easton - it's unfortunate that the game couldn't have ended cleanly, as this was the 3rd time this season the frustrated Royals have lost on a controversial umpire call in the last inning. At the end of the day, Team Easton definitely proved why they're the top team in the division this season. If the season ended today, the first round of the playoffs would be a rematch between these two squads - and likely a game for the ages!
Finally, congrats go out to Chris Powell. After getting hit by two pitches this week, Chris tied former Royal great Ben Fiandaca for most hit by pitches in a career with 20. The fun part is that while it took Fiandaca 140 games to get there, Powell reached the feat in just 49 games! Go put some ice on those!
Pitching
Mathew Gonzalez - IP, 8ER, 7H, 2BB, HBP
Jay Wasserman - 4IP, 4ER, 6H, 3K
Taylor Kahanowitch - IP, ER, 0H, K, 5BB
Chris Powell - IP, 0ER, H
Batting
Mike Miller - 3-4, 2R, RBI, BB
Dan Lebsock - 3-5, 2B, R, 3RBI
Sean Spires - 2-3, 2B, 2R, RBI, 2BB, SB
Taylor Kahanowitch - 2-3, 2 2B, 2R, HBP
Dominic Archey - 2-4, 2B, R, RBI, BB
Jason Bolding - 2-4, 2B, R
Brett Kahanowitch - 1-3, 2R, BB, HBP
Jay Wasserman - 1-3, 2B, R, 3RBI, 2SACF
Chris Blum - 1-4, 2R, 3RBI, BB
Chris Powell - 0-2, RBI, 2HBP
Ryan Elliott - 0-4, R, BB
Greg Falk - 0-0, R, SB
Royals Lose Close One to Wailers, 7-4
The Royals fell behind early, but fought back to tie things up before the Wailers would score late to grab a tough win against the struggling Royals.
Mathew Gonzalez would make his second start of the season, but he would battle his control all game. 4 walks and a single would plate 1 run, with a double play limiting the damage.
The Royals would answer right back in their half of the first. Greg Falk would lead off and single, eventually running for Ryan Elliott after he grounded into a fielder's choice. Falk would swipe second and score on a Chris Powell single to tie the game at 1.
Both teams would threaten but not score in the second, but the Wailers would keep the pressure on in the 3rd. 2 hits and 3 walks would plate a pair of runs, with another double play limiting the damage.
Dennis King III would take over in the 4th, but arm soreness would limit him to 1 inning. The Wailers would score one off him, and take a 4-1 lead into the top of the 5th.
Mike Miller would enter the game and shut down the Wailers offense in the 5th, turning the momentum the way of the Royals. The bottom of the 5th would start with a Falk single, an Elliott walk and a Powell single, loading the bases for their leading RBI men - Miller and Wasserman. Each of them would ground out but get the job done knocking in a run each. Daniel Lebsock would single home another, and the score would be all tied up after 5.
The Wailers would respond in the top of the 6th. 2 singles, a walk and another single would load the bases and give the Wailers the lead. But Miller would settle down, striking out the side, but not before a wild pitch would find its way THROUGH the Cleveland High School backstop to plate another run. After 6, the Wailers would lead 6-4.
Jay Wasserman would take the hill for the Royals in the 7th and allow an unearned run - only the second error on defense by either team all day. Chris Powell would hold the Wailers scoreless over the final 2 frames, but the Royal bats would run out of steam, and the Wailers would hold on for a 7-4 win.
Great game by the Wailers - there's a reason why they're one of the top teams in the league. Good luck the rest of the way!
And congratulations to Dan Lebsock, as he continues to dominate opposing runners from behind the plate. In the second inning, he threw out his 14th runner of the season - with former Royal all-star catcher Jeff Miller in the stands to watch. While we haven't kept this stat over the years, this has to be a single-season record (though Jeff may debate that claim)! Either way, way to go Dan! And congratulations to Mike Miller - when he struck out the side in the 6th inning, that was the first time he's accomplished that feat in over 263 innings pitched in the PCBL! Who says pitchers get worse with age...
Pitching
Mathew Gonzalez - 3IP, 3ER, 4H, K, 9BB
Dennis King III - IP, ER, H, K, BB
Mike Miller - L, 2IP, 2ER, 4H, 4K, 2BB
Jay Wasserman - IP, 0ER, H
Chris Powell - 2IP, 2H, K
Batting
Greg Falk - 2-4, R, BB, SB
Chris Powell - 2-4, R, RBI
Daniel Lebsock - 2-4, RBI
Ryan Elliott - 1-4, 2R, BB
Mike Miller - 1-3, RBI, BB
Jay Wasserman - 1-4, RBI
Jason Bolding - 1-4
Chris Blum - 0-3, BB
Robert Padilla - 0-4
Dennis King III - 0-1
Mathew Gonzalez - 0-0
Chris Miller - 0-0
Royals Give Away Game to Regulators, 11-10
The Royals took a 10-7 lead into the bottom of the 9th, but solid Regulator hitting paired with a poor rule interpretation by the umpiring crew led to a bad ending for the boys in baby blue.
The Royals would get out to an early lead as usual. With 2 outs in the first, Brett Kahanowitch would single and swipe second, taking 3rd on a bad throw. Mike Miller would line a full-count fastball into left center for an rbi single and a 1-0 lead.
Chris Powell would take the hill for the Royals, but 2 errors in the first would cost an unearned run and tie up the score.
In the second, Dominic Archey would single and score from first on a Jason Bolding double to retake the lead. But the Regulators would answer right back to tie things up at 2.
The Royals would load the bases with no outs in the third with their 3-4-5 hitters coming up, but come away empty-handed.
With 2 outs in the fourth, Dominic Archey would single again, and score a few pitches later on another Jason Bolding double. But the Regulators would plate 3 in the bottom half of the inning to take their first lead of the day, 5-3.
The Royals would score again in the 5th, on back-to-back-to-back singles by Sean Spires, Chris Powell and Brett Kahanowitch, cutting the lead to 5-4.
In the 6th, the Royals bats would go off. With 1 out, Dan Lebsock would single and take second on an error. Dominic Archey would single him home, and after Jason Bolding reached on an error, Robert Padilla would double home one. Chris Middleton would reach on an rbi-fielder's choice, and Sean Spires would single home one. Chris Powell and Brett Kahanowitch would each single home another, and the Royals would take a 10-5 lead.
The Regulators would plate 2 in the bottom of the 6th (damage limited thanks to a great relay throw by Sean Spires to nail another runner at the plate), and work a quiet top of the 7th to come back on offense. But Chris Powell would quiet their bats in his last inning of work, striking out the side, giving himself 10 strikeouts on the day.
Jay Wasserman would work a 1-2-3 8th, and heading into the bottom of the 9th, the Royals would lead 10-7.
Wasserman would get a quick pop up for the first out of the inning, but a double and back-to-back singles would plate 1. The next hitter would single, and there would be a play at the plate. The throw from right fielder Chris Blum would beat the runner, who would crash directly into catcher Dan Lebsock standing in front of the plate with the ball. The umpire called the runner safe, and would elect not to eject him and call him out for colliding with the catcher since he didn't "lower his shoulder or act with malice" (so much for this being a safety-first league.) With the tying run on third and the winning run on second, the Royals turned to newly-returned closer Brett Kahanowitch. But his control is still returning as well, and 3 walks later, the Regulators would walk off with a controversial win.
It's too bad that a collision at home plate and an umpire unwilling to protect the safety of the players in the game overshadowed a great game between two really good ball clubs. Congrats to the Regulators for playing a full 9 and earning the victory - bad call or not, the Royals let this one slip through their fingers.
Pitching
Chris Powell - 7IP, 4ER, 9H, 10K, 3BB, 2HBP
Jay Wasserman - 1.1IP, 4ER, 4H, K
Brett Kahanowitch - BS, 0IP, 0ER, 3BB
Batting
Chris Powell - 4-5, 2B, RBI
Dominic Archey - 3-4, 3R, RBI
Brett Kahanowitch - 3-5, R, 2RBI, SB
Sean Spires - 3-5, 2R, RBI
Jason Bolding - 2-4, 2-2B, R, 2RBI
Robert Padilla - 1-4, 2B, R, RBI
Chris MIddleton - 1-3, R, RBI
Mike Miller - 1-4, RBI
Daniel Lebsock - 1-4, R
Jay Wasserman - 1-4
Chris Blum - 1-4
Dennis King III - 0-1
Royals Shut Down by Pirates 11-3
The Royals, missing most of their starting pitchers and losing others to injuries, hung around for 6 innings before the Pirates ran away with an 11-3 victory. They did show their depth, as 7 pitchers toed the rubber and kept the game competitive most of the way, striking out 13 in the loss. Unfortunately, the offense didn't do much on their side, mounting just 6 hits and striking out 9 times.
One of the few bright spots this game was the debut of Taylor Kahanowitch, Brett's younger, better looking (according to Taylor) brother. He threw one inning, walking one while striking out 3.
Offensively, Ryan Elliott and Brett Kahanowitch each had 2 hits, and Dan Lebsock and Chris Powell each had 1.
In the field, Lebsock threw out his 13th runner of the season, and Chris Blum made a perfect throw from left field to cut down a runner at the plate.
Congrats to the Pirates on a solid game. We threw everything we had at them (both literally and figuratively), and they kept up the pressure, plating 6 runs over the final 3 frames to put the game on ice.
Pitching
Chris Miller - L, IP, 0ER, 2K, 4BB
Taylor Kahanowitch - IP, 0ER, 3K, BB
Brett Kahanowitch - IP, ER, H, 2K, BB
Jay Wasserman - 2IP, ER, 4H, 2K, 2BB
Chris Powell - 2.1IP, 5ER, 6H, 3K, BB, 2HBP
Mat Gonzalez - .2IP, 0ER, 0H
Greg Falk - IP, ER, 2H, K
Batting
Brett Kahanowitch - 2-3, 2B, R, RBI, SB, CS
Ryan Elliott - 2-3
Chris Powell - 1-3, R
Daniel Lebsock - 1-3, R
Sean Spires - 0-3, SB
Pitching Dominant in 13-1 Victory Over Blitzkrieg
The Royals' pitching staff continued to be source of strength, allowing only 5 hits in a 13-1 win over the Blitzkrieg. And while the second half of the season began on a high note for the boys in baby blue, they got an even bigger lift as former team MVP Brett Kahanowitch returned to the squad after a year in grad school.
The Royals started off strong, with Greg Falk (filling in for Sean "I Forgot What Time The Game Was" Spires) reaching on a lead-off single and swiping second. Dominic Archey would walk, but one out later, Mike Miller would line out to the first baseman, who would easily turn the double play and end the rally.
New Royal Mathew Gonzales would take the mound and work a quiet first. With 2 outs in the second, Chris Blum would double. Ryan Elliott would walk, and Chris Miller would single to load the bases. Super-hot Jason Bolding (that sounded better in my head) would line a 2-run single to right-center to give the Royals a 2-0 lead.
Gonzales would work around a single in the second, striking out 2 in the inning, and the Royals would pick right back up in the 3rd. Dennis King III would lead off with a double and score on Greg Falk's first rbi of the season. After Falk is caught stealing, Archey would walk and Brett Kahanowitch would begin to petition for his "middle-of-the-lineup" job back - lining a single to left. Mike Miller would ground out to bring home one. and after a Jay Wasserman walk, Kahanowitch would take home on a passed ball, giving the Royals a 5-0 lead.
After another quiet inning behind Gonzales, the Royals would score again. Blum would lead off with another double, and score on a 2-out Jason Bolding double.
Dennis King III would take the mound for the Royals and strike out a pair in the 4th. With 1 out in the top of the 5th, Chris Middleton would walk, and after Greg Falk reached on an error, Dominic Archey would line a ball over the center fielder's head to the deepest part of the field for an inside-the-park home run - his first home run as a Royal! Kahanowitch would then walk, taking second on a steal, and third when the defense forgot to pay attention to him. Jay "Mr. RBI" Wasserman would quickly drive in Kahanowitch, and the Royals would lead 10-0.
King would work around an error and a single in the bottom of the inning, and the Royals would continue their offensive onslaught in the 6th. Ryan Elliott would single, and take 2 extra bases on errors (exactly like in the 9th inning of last week's game - someone has a new signature move!) Chris Miller would walk, and Jason Bolding would beat out a potential double-play ball to plate Elliott and give the Royals an 11-0 lead.
After King would start the bottom of the 5th with a strikeout, a runner would reach on an error. Not to worry - catcher Daniel Lebsock would throw out the potential base thief one pitch later. The next batter would walk, but would tempt fate and challenge Lebsock's arm again. Bad idea - Lebsock would gun his second runner of the inning, making it 12 caught runners on the year!
In the top of the 7th, Chris Middleton would single with 1 out, and Greg Falk would reach on a fielder's choice/error with 2 outs. After Archey would walk for the 3rd time on the day, Kahanowitch would line a 2-run double to left center and give the Royals a 13-0 lead.
Leading off the bottom of the 7th, Daniel Lebsock would flash the leather and grab a pop-up along the backstop for the first out. But the Blitzkrieg offense would finally get to King, and a double followed by a single would plate their first run of the day. The next batter, though, would ground into a game-ending double play.
Good luck the rest of the season to the Blitzkrieg.
And finally, congrats to Dominic Archey for his first career home run, Greg Falk for his first career rbi, and Dennis King for his first career win as a Royal! Way to go, guys!
Pitching
Mathew Gonzales - 3IP, 0ER, 2H, 4K
Dennis King III - W, 4IP, ER, 3H, 4K, BB
Batting
Dominic Archey - 1-1, HR, 2R, 3RBI, 3BB
Jason Bolding - 2-3, 2B, 4RBI, SB
Brett Kahanowitch - 2-3, 2B, 2R, 2RBI, BB, SB
Greg Falk - 2-4, 2R, RBI, SB
Chris Blum - 2-3, 2-2B, 2R
Jay Wasserman - 1-2, RBI, BB
Ryan Elliott - 1-2, 2R, BB
Dennis King III - 1-3, 2B, R
Chris Middleton - 1-1, 2R
Chris Miller - 1-2, BB
Mike Miller - 0-4, RBI
Daniel Lebsock - 0-3
Bobby Calzadillas - 0-3
Chris Powell - 0-1
Royals Walk-Off in Exciting Win Vs Arsenal
Having seen the Arsenal twice in the pre-season, and with 4 current Arsenal members being Royal alumni, these two squads were very familiar with each other - and boy did it show. After all was said and done, both sides had 16 hits and 4 errors, with the Royals escaping with a 12-11 victory at windy Poly High School. 4 Royals legged out triples, and Mike Miller fell just a home run short of the cycle. But it was veteran Chris "Mr. Go" Powell who came through with 4 strong innings of relief and his second walk-off hit of the season to lead the way for the Royals.
Mike Miller would take the mound for the Royals and throw well, allowing only 1 hit in the first inning. But 3 errors on the right side of the infield would lead to 3 unearned runs and a quick 3-0 deficit. But the Royals would respond in the bottom of the inning. Chris Powell would single, and with 2 outs, Miller would lift a wind-aided double to right for one run. Jay Wasserman would double home Miller, and Dan Lebsock would triple home Wasserman, tying the score at 3.
Miller would work around a leadoff double in the 2nd, and the Royals would strike again. Robert Padilla would reach on a 2-out fielder's choice, and Jason Bolding would triple him home to give the Royals a 4-3 lead.
But the Arsenal would load the bases and chase Miller from the game, and Dennis King III would take over. 2 runs would end up scoring, and another 2 in the top of the 4th, giving the Arsenal a 7-4 lead.
In the bottom of the 4th, Chris Blum would hit a 1-out triple, scoring on a Chris Middleton fielder's choice. With 2 outs, back-to-back-to-back singles by Ryan Elliott, Robert Padilla and Jason Bolding would make it a 7-6 game.
The Arsenal would score one in the top of the 5th, and another in the top of the 6th off reliever Chris Powell.
Both teams would go quietly in the 7th, and the Arsenal would attack again in the top of the 8th, plating 2 more to take an 11-6 lead.
With 6 outs remaining, the Royals would need to act fast if they were going to salvage a Mother's Day victory. Chris Powell would lead off and get hit by his 7th pitch in 10 games. Dominic Archey would single off the mound, and clean-up hitter Mike Miller would belt a triple to the wall in left center to plate the pair. Wasserman would reach on a fielder's choice, and Dan Lebsock would hit a sac-line-drive to left field to plate Miller and cut the Arsenal lead to 11-9.
Powell would work around a 2-out double in the 9th, and the Royals would need a big inning from the bottom of their lineup to pull things out. 9-hitter Ryan Elliott would lead off with a ground ball to second, but a bad throw (or two) later and Elliott would be standing on third with no outs. Robert Padilla would line a 3-1 single into right center to put the tying run on base. Greg Falk would pinch run and quickly swipe second (his second stolen base on the day.) After a line-out to shortstop NEARLY ended the rally (Falk is usually the king of the line-drive-double-play), Sean Spires would crush a ground ball to third that would be too hot to handle. With a pair of rabbits on base and the walk-off hero from a few weeks ago (Chris Powell) at the plate, the Royals would waste little time. Powell would line the second pitch he saw into right field, plating Falk to tie the game. Spires, running hard on the hit, drew the throw to third. The throw, however, would be offline and skip away from the third baseman, and Spires would sprint home with the game-winning run.
Congrats to the Arsenal on a great game - the 4 ex-Royals alone would combine to go 9 for 16, including 4 doubles, a triple and a home run. In the end, it came down to whoever had the bat in their hands when time expired, and today it was the Royals. Good luck the rest of the season!
Pitching
Mike Miller - 2.1IP, 2ER, 5H, 2K, 2BB, 2HBP
Dennis King III - 2.2IP, 3ER, 4H, 2K, HBP
Chris Powell - W, 4IP, 2ER, 7H, 5K, BB, HBP
Batting
Mike Miller - 3-4, 2B, 3B, 2R, 3RBI
Ryan Elliott - 3-4, 2R
Chris Powell - 2-4, 2R, RBI, HBP
Robert Padilla - 2-3, R, BB
Jason Bolding - 2-4, 3B, 2RBI
Daniel Lebsock - 1-3, 3B, 2RBI
Jay Wasserman - 1-4, 2B, R, RBI
Chris Blum - 1-4, 3B, R
Dominic Archey - 1-4, R
Chris Middleton - 0-4, RBI
Sean Spires - 0-5, R, SB
Greg Falk - 0-0, R, 2SB
Royals Flat in Loss to Mudhens
The Royals came out flat on Sunday, and aside from a late offensive surge (including leaving the bases loaded in each of the final 2 innings), they showed little life on either side of the ball as the Mudhens scored early and often in an 11-7 victory over the boys in baby blue.
The Royals went scoreless in the first for only the second time this season. Joan Socarras took the hill for the Royals, but was shaky from the beginning. He issued 4 walks in the first, but was saved from any damage by catcher Dan Lebsock, who threw out his 9th runner of the year.
In the top of the 2nd, the Royals would strike first. Mike Miller and Jay Wasserman would lead off with back-to-back singles. After a fielder's choice would cut down the lead runner, Dan Lebsock would single home one, and the Royals would lead 1-0.
Working around a walk and a single, Socarras would retire the Mudhens in the 2nd. But in the bottom of the 3rd, the Hens would strike back. 2 home runs, a single, 2 walks and a ruptured blister on his throwing hand would chase Socarras from the game. Dennis King III would come in and get out of the jam, but not before the Mudhens had taken a 6-1 lead.
The Royals would respond in the 4th. Sean Spires would lead off with a double, and Chris Powell would follow by getting hit by a pitch for the 6th time in 9 games (and the 17th time in 43 games, 3 shy of the all-time Royals record.) After a double steal, Dominic Archey would ground out to plate one, and Mike Miller would notch an infield single to plate another, cutting the lead temporarily to 6-3.
But the Hens seemed to have an answer for everything today. In the bottom of the inning, Dennis King would walk the first batter he faced, and after 2 more pitches, would call time and nearly collapse on the mound, severely dehydrated after a week of the flu. Jay Wasserman would be called in to relieve, but after a sac fly and a double play-gone-wrong, the Hens would launch their 3rd home run of the day to take a 9-3 lead.
Neither team made much noise until the 6th. Chris Middleton would lead off with a double to the wall in center, moving to third on a Jason Bolding single, and scoring on a Sean Spires single. But with 2 on and no outs, the 2-3-4 hitters for the Royals couldn't produce. The Hens would answer with 2 more in the bottom of the inning, stretching their lead to 11-4.
Wasserman would hand the ball over to rookie Greg Falk, who would pitch 2 scoreless innings of relief for the Royals.
The Royals would threaten in the top of the 8th, loading the bases with 2 outs, but the Hens would escape the jam.
Leading off the top of the 9th and still trailing by 7, Dominic Archey would walk and move to second on Mike Miller's 3rd hit of the game. Jay Wasserman would single to center (his 3rd time reaching safely) to load the bases, and 1 out later, Chris Blum would come through with a 2-run single. After a strikeout, Ryan Elliott would single home another, and Chris Middleton would walk to load the bases. As the tying run at the plate, Jason Bolding would work a 8-pitch at bat before the field umpire, on the 3rd base side of the mound, would call him out on a questionable check-swing to end the game. (He must have better eyes than me, because I was coaching first and it was close - but I'm sorry, there's NO WAY anyone on the other side of the field can make that call on a right-handed batter with any degree of certainty.)
Congrats to the Mudhens - they kept the pressure on all game and had an answer every time the Royals offense made any noise. Their tenacity speaks to why they're one of the hottest teams in the league right now.
And finally, congrats to Chris Powell, who moved into sole possession of 3rd place on the all-time Royals hit by pitch list. Talk about a team player - he's getting hit about once every 2.5 games! Mr. Go!
Pitching
Joan Socarras - L, 2.1IP, 5ER,5H, 3K, 6BB
Dennis King III - .2IP, ER, H, 2BB
Jay Wasserman - 3IP, 3ER, 5H, 3K, BB
Greg Falk - 2IP, 0ER, 0H, K, BB
Batting
Mike Miller - 3-4, R, RBI
Sean Spires - 2-3, 2B, RBI, R, BB, SB
Jay Wasserman - 2-3, 2R, BB
Dan Lebsock - 2-4, RBI
Jason Bolding - 2-4
Chris Middleton - 1-3, 2B, R, BB
Chris Powell - 1-3, R, HBP
Chris Blum - 1-4, 2RBI
Ryan Elliott - 1-4, RBI
Dominic Archey - 0-3, R, RBI, BB
Bobby Calzadillas - 0-4
Greg Falk - 0-0, SB
More Strong Pitching Leads Royals to Windy Win
The Royals got another strong day of pitching, this time out of Chris Powell and Eric Bloom, as they held off a strong Dodo's squad 12-6 in the windy confines of Granada Hills High School. Said one unnamed Royal, "The wind was blowing so hard that it took the lid off my pre-game Jamba Juice!" Now THAT'S windy!
On to the game - Chris Powell would allow a leadoff hit for the Dodos, but quickly pick him off first and get out of the inning unscathed. And for the 7th straight week, the Royals put up runs in the first. With the wind blowing out of left, leadoff man Sean Spires took full advantage and launched the 5th pitch of the game out for a solo home run. Powell would single, and Dominic Archey would walk. After a Mike Miller fielder's choice would move Powell to third, Jay "Mr. RBI" Wasserman would single home Powell to give the Royals a 2-0 lead.
In the top of the 3rd, several Royal miscues (on the same play) and a debatable call at third on a stolen base attempt would lead to 2 unearned runs, and a solo home run in the top of the 4th would give the Dodos the lead. Powell would settle down and work through the 5th, keeping the score at 3-2.
The Royals offense would pick up in the bottom of the inning. Chris Middleton, fresh from a 20+ hour car ride from Colorado, would single to lead off the inning. One out later, Sean Spires would walk, and Chris Powell would follow him with an rbi-single, tying things up at 3. Dominic Archey would walk to load the bases, and Mike Miller would hit an rbi-ground out to give the Royals the lead. Now with 2 outs, Mr. RBI would come through again - Wasserman singles to right for 2 more runs. Bobby Calzadillas would single, and both men would score on back-to-back singles from Dan Lebsock and Ryan Elliott. All told, the Royals would plate 6 on 4 2-out hits, giving them an 8-3 lead.
Eric Bloom would enter the game for the Royals, and be met right away with a home run. The Dodos would put 2 men on, but backstop Daniel Lebsock would throw out his 8th runner of the year and limit the damage to 1. The Royals would immediately answer back in the bottom of the inning. Jason Bolding would single and move to second on an Eric Bloom walk. After a double play, Sean Spires would come up with another big 2-out hit for the Royals, dropping a double into shallow center (Dee Gordon-style) to make it a 9-4 game.
The Dodos would find some 2-out magic themselves in the 7th and get a pair of runs, but the Royals bats were too hot. Dominic Archey would walk for the 3rd time, and move to second on a Mike Miller ground out. Jay Wasserman would come up and come through again with a single - his 4th rbi on the day - to give the Royals a 10-6 lead.
After a quiet top of the 8th, the Royals would cap off the day in the bottom of the inning. With 2 outs yet again, Pinch hitter Dennis King III would single, and following singles by Eric Bloom and Chris Miller, the bases would be loaded. Sean Spires would walk and Chris Powell would get hit by a pitch, each knocking in a run. Dominic Archey would laser a ball to short, but come up empty, and the Royals would enter the 9th up 12-6.
That was plenty of rope for Bloom, who would strike out the side after allowing a lead off single to notch his first save of the year.
Congrats to the Dodos for a great game - they're definitely one of the better teams in the division. Good luck the rest of the way!
Pitching
Chris Powell - W, 5IP, ER, 3K, 6H
Eric Bloom - S, 4IP, 3ER, 7K, 4H, 3BB
Batting
Jay Wasserman - 3-4, R, 4RBI
Sean Spires - 2-3, HR, 2B, 2R, 3RBI, 2BB
Chris Powell - 2-4, 2R, 2RBI, HBP
Daniel Lebsock - 2-4
Ryan Elliott - 1-3, RBI, HBP
Jason Bolding - 1-2, R, BB
Chris Middleton - 1-3, R
Eric Bloom - 1-1, R, BB
Dennis King III - 1-1, R
Bobby Calzadillas - 1-4, R
Chris Miller - 1-2
Dominic Archey - 0-2, 2R, 3BB
Mike Miller - 0-4, RBI
Greg Falk - 0-1, SB
