Greinke Strong in Losing Effort

Game Date: March 30, 2007
Astros 4, Royals 2 / Box Score
Royals Spring Training Record: 11-17

Zack Greinke pitched five strong innings last night, giving up one earned run on four hits, no walks, and six strikeouts. He got the ball up in the zone a couple of times and Astro hitters may him pay for that, but he ends the spring with a 3.00 ERA in six appearances. He struck out 27 guys in 24 innings and walked only two. I don’t know if he’ll ever turn out to be the ace that the Royals have been hoping for, but he does appear to be on the verge of having a break out season.

The Astros took the lead for good in the eighth inning when Luke Scott hit a two-run home run off Jimmy Gobble—who got a pitch out over the plate. Woody Williams started for the Astros and he pitched well. The Royals haven’t had many problems scoring runs this spring, and after being shut down by Williams and company, you have to hope that their final spring tune up in Houston this afternoon. Brandon Duckworth will make the start for the Royals.