March 10, 2003
SportsLine.com wire reports

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Javier Valentin ended 11 at-bat hitless streak by
going 4-for-5 with three RBIs Monday as the Milwaukee Brewers beat
the Kansas City Royals 13-5.

Valentin, who is out of minor league options, was acquired in a four-
player trade with the Minnesota Twins during the offseason.

"I've spent a lot of time in the cages," Valentin said. "I know I can
hit. They just told me to relax and have fun, that in one at-bat you
want to get four hits. I've had a lot of stuff on my mind."

Valentin, a designated hitter against the Royals, is trying to earn a
job as a catcher.

"We've got a lot of catchers here to try to win one job," Valentin
said.

Catcher Joe Lawrence hit a three-run homer in the fourth off loser
Albie Lopez, who allowed six runs and nine hits in four innings.
Lawrence homered after Valentin and Royce Clayton singled.

"Albie pitched well, (but) it was just one of those days," Royals
manager Tony Pena said. "They had three or four broken-bat base hits.
What can you do? He did make one mistake on the home run."

James Baldwin, who replaced Lopez, gave up three runs on five hits in
two innings, while striking out three.

Winner Todd Ritchie allowed two runs, three hits, two walks, a wild
pitch and a hit batter in four innings. Ritchie started the game by
walking Desi Relaford and Michael Tucker, and both scored.

Ken Harvey had three hits for Kansas City.

Game Notes: Royals INF Desi Relaford played in his first game after
missing the first 11 with a foot injury. He led off the game with a
walk, was hit by a pitch in the third and struck out in the fifth.