That 23-hit game yesterday was fun but predictably we're back to the same-o same-o today with five hits and one gift run.
Ugly game, ugly road trip as we go 1-6 against Detroit and KC. As Rick and Matt said, we expected to go at least 5-2.
Franmil got the Golden Sombrero as Greinke and the bullpen toyed with him mercilessly on a steady diet of low breaking balls, which he could not put even one in play in four at-bats. He was putty in their hands.
Straw got a hit - once again on the first pitch of the at-bat. He's better when he's aggressive and doesn't spot the pitcher two strikes before taking the stick off his shoulder. But he's still a bad hitter and I think Kwan takes his job in center once Jones, Gonzalez, and Valera are all ready for the bigs.
Heck, I want him benched as soon as Oscar G. gets back with Kwan moving to center, Oscar to left, and Jones in right.
This game was over in the 5th when the Royals got three runs on just one hard hit ball - a single by Benintendi. Otherwise it was a walk, an infield roller, an error by Jose, and a bloop that produced three runs and put the game out of reach. Tough luck for Plesac but he opened the door by walking the #9 hitter with one out and nobody on.
One bit of good news - Sandlin pitched for the second day in a row and retired six consecutive batters, three by strikeout. His two-day totals; 26 pitches, 18 strikes. It looks like his stint in Columbus got his control problem fixed, although it's only two innings.
OTOH, Hentges is still sucking. He's allowed 9 earned runs in his last 5 innings. It looks like his fastball has good velo (96-97) but no movement and is easy to barrel up if he doesn't hit the edges of the zone with it.
Minnesota and the White Sox also won. Just a total loss all the way around.