Greg Holland blew a two-run lead a 7-6 loss on Thursday night, with Holland giving up four runs in the ninth without recording an out. I told Royals fans not to panic. Holland went right back to work on Friday night, closing off their 4-1 come from behind victory over the Los Angeles Angels.
Holland earned his 26th save after following Ryan Madson and Kelvin Herrera, who worked scoreless innings. Madson had the battle of the game against Albert Pujols in the top of the 7th. Madson retired Pujols with the bases loaded and two outs, holding the Royals’ 3-1 lead. Pujols is now 0-for-12 lifetime against Madson.
Pujols was also charged with an error on a tough hop ball hit by Lorenzo Cain in the sixth. That scored Ben Zobrist who doubled. Next batter, Eric Hosmer hit a two-run homer to put the Royals on top, after their were held to just one hit in the first six innings by started Jared Weaver.
Danny Duffy, despite hitting three batters, held L.A. in check leaving six runners on base. Royals pitchers stranded ten for the game.
The bullpen is back!