We took six walks in last night's second game against the Yankees: 3 by Teahan, 1 by Grudzielanek, 1 by Butler, and 1 by Gordon.  I recall Teahan having a few games like this last year. 

We struck out 9 times. Only Grudzielanek and Butler didn't.  The former doesn't surprise me, being a contact machine.  But the latter does---Butler having been so hot.  Gordon struck out twice. I didn't get to see the game, so I don't know how many of the Royals batter strikeouts were called.  I can't, therefore, calculate my idea for a plate discipline statistic (called strikeouts plus walks).

But the Royals made Yankees pitchers throw 137 pitches in the game.  That 137 divided by 36 plate appearances is 3.81 pitches per plate appearance.  That's quite healthy. 

Sure, as with game 1, the conditions weren't great.  But the Greinke, Yabuta, Gobble triumvirate threw 129 pitches, giving up 3 walks and 3 strikeouts in 34 Yankees plate appearances.  That means the Yankees also took about 3.8 pitches per at bat.  So, no advantage, but we were at least on par with the vaunted Yanks---and we were more efficient when we swung.

I'd say last night was ~a~ prime example of Hillman's preaching "selective aggression."  Let's keep it up! - TL