The ability to win close ballgames is the mark of any great team. Don’t jump to any conclusions, but the Royals got a two-run, pinch-hit homer from Matt Stairs in the ninth leading them to a 9-8 win over the Reds.
Emil Brown had one of the better offensive games of his career going 3-for-4 with a homer and four RBIs. He also doubled in the game changing ninth to give Stairs an at-bat.
Jeremy Affeldt got credit for the win after getting the last two outs of the eighth. Closer Ambiorix Burgos gave up a solo homer in the bottom of the ninth but held on to get his 13th save.
Kansas City hit four home runs in the game. David DeJesus added a solo shot in the sixth, after John Buck put one over the fence in left center in the fifth. The Royals have won nine of its last 12.