Hudson Sharp Again

Game Date: July 28, 2006
Game Score: Royals 11, Rangers 3 / Box Score
WP: Hudson (3-3), LP: Padilla (10-7)
Royal Home Runs: Teahen (12)
Royals Record: 36-66

Luke Hudson turned in another good outing, going six innings and giving up two earned runs, and that set the stage for Royals to win the first of a three game series in Arlington. Hudson struck out seven guys, while walking only one. His sinker was nasty, and he seemed to have complete control over all his pitches. In his four starts with the Royals this season, he’s 2-0 with a 3.42 ERA. Early in the season, he was getting pounded—so much so that he was designated for assignment in early May with a bloated 7.24 ERA.

Then something funny happened. His father and brother went to see him pitch and noticed that he using a different arm slot than he’d always used. Here’s the rest of the story from an article running on the Royals’ website: “[They] brought it to the attention of both the pitcher and Omaha pitching coach Tom Burgmeier. An adjustment was made, Hudson's arm soon felt stronger, and his command became sharp enough to warrant the Royals purchasing his contract again on June 30.”

The Royals had no problem hitting Padilla. They shelled him for seven earned runs in 3.2 innings. Mark Teahen was locked in again, going 3-for-5 with a home run and 2 RBI. DeJesus, Costa, and Blanco had two hits each. The Royals blew the game open early, and never looked back.

Tonight, newly acquired Jorge De La Rosa (2-2, 8.60) will go against Kevin Millwood (10-6, 4.53). Millwood is 3-1 in his career against the Royals with a 2.39 ERA.