Another Good Outing from a Starter

Game Date: April 6, 2007
Royals 3, Tigers 1 / Box Score
WP: De La Rosa (1-0) LP: Mesa (0-1) SV: Riske (1)
Royal Home Runs: None
Royals Record: 2-2

For the fourth game in a row, a Royals’ starter held his own. This time it was Jorge De La Rosa who threw 103 pitches by my count, going seven innings, striking out five, walking three, on four hits and one run. He walked too many guys, but he’s probably always going to struggle with his control. The nice thing to see was his ability to strike guys out with his change up. In the seventh inning, he struck out Craig Monroe and Curtis Granderson back to back on change ups. Joakim Soria and David Riske closed out the game—Riske looked especially impressive, getting the Tigers in order in the ninth.

The Royals scored their first run in the bottom of the first inning. David DeJesus doubled to start the game and the ball got by Magglio Ordonez in right field, so DeJesus took third on the error. Mark Grudzielanek hit a ground ball to second to score DeJesus. The game was tied at 1-1 through the sixth inning. In the seventh inning, Jason LaRue doubled, Tony Pena tripled him in, and David DeJesus singled him in. The Royals did their damage after Justin Verlander left the game. They got to Jose Mesa for both runs in the seventh.

Alex Gordon continues to struggle. He went 0-for-4 and at this point he seems to be pressing. I’d look for Buddy Bell to drop him a spot or two in the order if he continues to struggle. Mike Sweeney seems to be pressing as well. He struck out in the fifth inning with two outs and bases loaded. The game was tied at the time and he had a chance to give the Royals a lead. He was punched out looking. He did draw a walk earlier in the game.

Tomorrow afternoon, Gil Meche (1-0, 1.23 ERA) goes against Mike Maroth (0-1, 0.00).