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First two innings a struggle for Schill

KANSAS CITY - Just as surprising to see Curt Schilling walk in a run in the first inning is allowing a triple to the left-center field wall to light-hitting Tony Pena Jr., the Royals' No. 9 hitter, in the second inning.

Gold Glove second baseman Mark Grudzielanek, who was hitting only .185 against Schilling in 65 career at-bats entering the game, directed a single to right between first and second base to score Pena with the go ahead run. He also singled in the first inning.

The first two innings (56 pitches) have been tough for Schilling, who has struggled with mechanics. Schilling tends to get better as the game goes along, so we'll see.

Let me also add, the first bonehead running play of the season came courtesy of Dustin Pedroia who pulled a Gil Meche fastball for a single to left, and was thrown out by a country mile at second base by Ross Gload. Ouch.

Also we have the answer to the last time Curt Schilling walked a batter with the bases loaded: Aug. 7, 2005, the Twins' Matthew LeCroy. Schilling came into the game in relief in the ninth inning.