The Big Blue Pitching Machine

A good machine keeps on going even if you replace parts once in a while.

Insert Brian Bannister into the starting rotation who was called up this week and now we have a solid 1-2-3-4 starting punch. Bannister pitched 6 innings and gave up just 4 hits in his return after a shaky spring training and disappointed second half of 2008. Jamey Wright pitched 2 hitless innings and Joakim Soria got his 5th save of the year.

The offense got nine hits and scored two runs to get the win. With the pitching as good as it has been, the Royals don't need to score a lot of runs. However, it would be nice to see the batting averages climb and the hitters knock in more runs to ease pressure off the pitching.

The Royals improve their record to 8-6 and remain tied with the White Sox for first place in the AL Central.

Thursday, Gil Meche goes against the Indians in the deciding game of the series.

This should be a great weekend at the K as capacity crowds are expected. Zach Greinke starts Friday and Kyle Davies on Saturday. If Bannister starts on Sunday and pitches as well as he did tonight, this weekend could give Royals fans a good look at the Big Blue Pitching Machine.