Losing Streak Reaches Five

Game Date: May 28, 2007
Orioles 9, Royals 1 / Box Score
WP: Trachsel (4-3), LP: Elarton (1-1)
Royal Home Runs: None
Royals Record: 19-33

Buddy Bell hinted after the game last night that the Royals poor play over the past five games has been a team effort, and I think he's right. The Royals are struggling in nearly every aspect of the game--with defense probably being the exception.

To have Steve Trachsel pitch a five-hit complete game against you says everything you need to know about our hitting. And just a quick glance at Scott Elarton's numbers yesterday (7 ER, 6 H, 4 BB, 5 K, in 5.0 IP) will tell you what you need to know about our pitching.

We did get a bit of good news. Gil Meche is expected to make his next start on Wednesday against Baltimore. Let's hope that he's able to give it 100%.

And Jason LaRue is back from the DL. Bell is planning to use a rotation of catchers. LaRue will be the catcher when Scott Elarton and Brian Bannister are on the mound. John Buck will catch for Gil Meche, Jorge De La Rosa, and Odalis Perez.

Tonight, Jorge De La Rosa (4-4, 4.65) goes against Jeremy Guthrie (2-1, 3.09). De La Rosa has never faced the Orioles. Guthrie is 0-0 in his career against the Royals with a 6.10 ERA (in 10.1 innings of work).