Buck Leads Royals to Win

Game Date: July 29, 2006
Game Score: Royals 5, Rangers 3 / Box Score
WP: De La Rosa (1-0), LP: Millwood (10-7)
Royal Home Runs: None
Royals Record: 37-66

Jorge De La Rosa struggled at times tonight against the Rangers. He certainly has good enough stuff to get guys out. His big, looping curve ball looks a lot like Affeldt’s. His fastball tops out at 93 mph, but he seems to be overthrowing it to hit that speed. He has better control when he’s in the 90-91 range. He gave up too many hits tonight (9), but he found a way to keep the Rangers from putting any run-scoring rallies. Instead, they scored both runs he gave up on solo home runs in the second inning. He went 6.0 innings and threw 92 pitches. Not a bad way to start his career as a Royal.

John Buck had a big night for the Royals, going 3-for-4 with 3 RBI. Grudzielanek and Blanco had two hits each, and Mark Teahen walked three times. It’s incredible to see the strides that Teahen has made over the last six weeks. Makes me wonder where he’ll be hitting in the line up when Sweeney and Sanders return soon. Speaking of making strides, the Royals drew five more walks tonight (all of them off Millwood)—one of which turned into a run.

Tomorrow night, the Royals go for a sweep in Arlington. Mark Redman (7-5, 5.03) goes against Adam Eaton (0-1, 7.36).