The Royals resemble the Majors' own Bad News Bears, so it makes sense that the team thrives when it reduces matchups to Little League-regulation, six-inning affairs. For example, in the game that ended the squad's awful losing streak, starting pitcher Mike Wood trusted his slim lead to twentysomething flame-throwers Andy Sisco, Jeremy Affeldt, Mike MacDougal and the euphoniously named Ambiorix Burgos, none of whom allowed a run. These live-armed hurlers not only boast impressive numbers on a staff that's a statistical scrapheap (the Royals' bullpen leads the league in strikeouts) but also throw blazing fastballs and flash intimidating wild streaks. All of which ensures that opposing batters don't look forward to facing the Royals, regardless of the team's record.
