Royals shut out Twins...

RC missed the game today, because we had to work, but we understand that it was quite a nail biter. The Royals actually managed to shut out the Twinkies despite surrendering 13 hits, with the help of four double plays. Mike Wood pitched six scoreless innings, working out of trouble all day.


Emil Brown was the hero today in the ninth inning.

Emil Brown drove in Denny Hocking with the winning run on a single to left, and the Royals will hopefully be able to carry some momentum into this weekend's series vs. the Rangers. J.P. Howell gets the start tomorrow vs. Kenny Rogers, and RC's correspondent has promised photos from the game.

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Tonight in the minors, several Royals had noteworthy performances:

- Denny Bautista had a successful rehab outing for the Omaha Royals. Bautista threw 2.2 perfect innings while striking out two and inducing five ground outs vs. one fly out. A very encouraging outing for Denny...

- Justin Huber hopefully finished off his minor league career with a 1-for-3 night. Huber should be in KC for tonight's game vs. the Rangers, hopefully to stay for good.

- Chris Lubanski has officially gone red hot. He went 4-for-4 tonight with two HR (27) and seven RBIs. Over the last two games, Lubes is 8-for-9 with two doubles, two homers, and nine RBIs. He now has 113 RBIs on the season, which places him within striking distance of Brandon Wood (114) for the league lead. He also pushed his batting average up to .300 for the first time this season.

- Leo Nunez should be called up to KC today.

- Chris Nicoll had his second straight mediocre outing for Idaho Falls. He surrendered five runs (three earned) in four innings of work. With the season ending this weekend, that should wrap up Nicoll's 2005 campaign. His first taste of the professional ranks can only be viewed as a success, as he finished his season with a 3.47 ERA in 23.1 IP, allowing 21 hits while walking nine and striking out 24.

- Calvin Pickering raised his BA to .265 by going 3-for-4 for the O-Royals.

- In High Desert, SS Angel Sanchez went 3-for-5 with his fourth homer of the season. Over the last two games, Sanchez is 6-for-11 with 5 RBIs, and his BA is up to .307.

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