The Royals are a surprising 4-0 in August, hitting well above their weight at .327 BA/.894 OPS in the last week. They swept both the Mets and Twins, but considering their season, it is hard to think that this surge is sustainable. One negative in this 8-2 run is the bullpen, 28th ranked this year, and with a 5.45 ERA over the last ten games. The Royals are a poor road team this year, and struggle against left handed pitching. They will face a fine young lefty in the Phillies' Sanchez. He has come into his own since mid-June and has allowed no more than 3 runs in 5 starts, sporting a very fine .172 Op BA in July. The Phillies do have a good bullpen this year, a rarity for them in recent history. Their offense has been just average recently but they will have their chances today when facing the Royals' Marsh. The rookie right-hander has struggled more often than not in his first season, giving up 9 runs over 8 innings in his last two starts. Walks, hit batters, and the long ball have all been issues. This is the day the Royals come back to earth. Take the 6-4 Phillies on the run line at -1 1/2.