Brian Bannister is the new Stopper for the Royals

Brian Bannister made sure that the Royals would pull out of a three game (again) skid- for the second time in six days Wednesday night by pitching seven strong innings in a 4-3 victory over the Cleveland Indians at their home, Jacobs Field. He was humble in his win“They’ve come out and given me an early lead in my last two games,” he said. “That’s what is nice. After that, it was just like at Tampa Bay. I just tried to get deep into the game. He added, “With that lead, it’s a luxury. I can just attack guys.” Bannister, 2-3, limited the Indians to one unearned run and five hits in seven innings. He struck out two and walked none in a 98-pitch performance that lowered his ERA to 3.33. “They’re a patient, veteran team,” Bannister said. “So I really tried to get ahead, be aggressive and keep my pitch count down. I got them on my game. I thought I changed speeds well." closing, “They kept just missing balls, and that’s how I like to pitch.” Run support came from many, most notably, newly-arrived Joey Gathright who ignited the offense, batting 2-3 and stealing his first base of the year, while making a solid show in left field. . Also, Ryan Shealy banged a solo home run and the Royals put 11 hits on the Indians to help seal the deal. The defeated Clevelander, wily right-hander Paul Byrd, began the evening with a 6-1 record. That is no more.