Another Heartbreaker

Game Date: April 17, 2007
Tigers 7, Royals 6 / Box Score
WP: Ledezma (3-0) LP: Riske (0-2) SV: Jones (7) 
Royal Home Runs: DeJesus (3)
Royals Record: 3-11

Another April heartbreaker.

After falling behind 5-2 after five innings, the Royals came roaring back with four runs in the top of the sixth inning to take the lead. I won't say that De La Rosa pitched well (4 ER, 8 H, 6 K, 2 HR in 6.0 IP), but once again, we had a starter put us in a position to win and it didn't happen.

Joel Peralta and David Riske gave the lead back to the Tigers for good. The go-ahead run occurred when Placido Polanco hit an RBI single in the bottom of the eighth to give Detroit a 7-6 lead. Todd Jones made sure it stuck.

Royals fans have a lot of things to lament right now. A bullpen that hasn't lived up to expectations. Multiple position players hitting under .200. Poor defense on the left side of the infield. And Shealy and Gordon are off to horrible starts at the plate.

But let's keep it all in perspective. It's still early. More pitching help is on the way in the form of Luke Hudson and Scott Elarton. Guys like Sweeney, Teahen, Brown, and Shealy are going to find their way at the plate. David Riske and Joel Peralta will presumably figure things out. And hopefully, Octavio Dotel will get healthy and help the back end of the bullpen retain leads.

I have to admit though, a 3-11 start doesn't exactly fill me with optimism. But the great thing about this game is, you never know when a team will turn things around. So, you keep watching and hoping.

Tomorrow afternoon, Gil Meche (1-1, 3.10) goes against Jeremy Bonderman (0-0, 2.57). Meche is 5-4 in his career against the Tigers with a 4.33 ERA. Bonderman is 8-5 against the Royals with a 4.18 ERA.