Teahen Error Costly

Game Date: July 13, 2006
Game Score: Tigers 6, Royals 4 / Box Score
WP: Bonderman (9), LP: Duckworth (2)
Royal Home Runs: Graffanino (5), Teahen (8)
Royals Record: 31-57

According to Ryan Lefebvre, last night was the 59th time in 88 games this season that a Royals’ starter has failed to go at least five innings. Brandon Duckworth threw 103 pitches in just 4.2 innings, causing Bell to tap into a bullpen that has already seen way, way, way too much work. Yes, Teahen should have made the play at third, and if he had, Duckworth would have been out of the inning, but Brandon still threw more than a hundred pitches and he wasn’t fooling anybody. In the fifth inning alone, he gave up four successive singles and a walk. When the Tigers posted a five spot in the bottom of the fifth, they took the lead and didn’t look back.

The Royals were playing without Mark Grudzielanek (who is still in KC getting his back examined) and Doug Mientkiewicz (who also has back problems). Graffanino played well in place of Grudzielanek—going 1-for-4 with a home run and a walk. Stairs made a couple of nice plays at first and he went 2-for-4 with a walk at the plate.

DeJesus looked oddly out of place hitting in the three hole, and so did Gathright, who hit in the leadoff spot. Couldn’t we have hit Brown third and left DeJesus and Gathright in their respective positions in the order? Seems to make more sense to me.

Todd Wellemeyer and Joel Peralta pitched well in relief—going the final 3.1 innings and giving up no runs on three hits.

Tonight, Mark Redman (6-4, 5.27) goes against Kenny Rogers (11-3, 3.85). Redman is 2-3 in his career against the Tigers with a 4.60 ERA. Rogers is 19-13 against the Royals with a 3.74 ERA.

Berroa Walk Watch (the quest for double digits): 8 walks in 81 games.