A Night to Forget

Game Date: May 24, 2007
Indians 10, Royals 3 / Box Score
WP: Sowers (1-4), LP: De La Rosa (4-4)
Royal Home Runs: None
Royals Record: 19-29

Greg Gibson, the home plate umpire last night, had an extremely small strike zone for Jorge De La Rosa and De La Rosa was visibly upset after not getting a couple of calls in the first inning. John Buck tried to calm him down, but it didn't work. De La Rosa gave up five runs in the first inning, including a three run home run by Jason Michaels.

After De La Rosa lost his focus, he really became wild. He walked seven guys in 4.1 innings and he threw 98 pitches. Nine earned runs were tacked onto to his season totals, and I'm guessing that it's a night he'll try to forget. That probably won't be an easy thing to do.

The Royals looked like they might strike back in the first inning, but a horrible call at first base by umpire Tony Randazzo stunted the possibility. He punched out David DeJesus at first for a double play even though he was easily safe.

That's the way things go some nights. You pick up and move on.

I do question a couple of moves made by Bell last night though. He pinch hit for Mark Grudzielanek with Angel Berroa. Granted, the game was turning into a blow out at the time, but baring an injury, I can think of no other scenario in which I want to see Angel Berroa hitting in the three hole. For the record, he struck out twice and looked absolutely horrible doing so.

And Bell stuck John Buck in the eight hole again, behind Alex Gordon who is hitting .191 and Ryan Shealy who is hitting .222. Both Gordon and Shealy are swinging the bat much better than they were earlier in the season, but Alex Gordon doesn't provide a bit of protection behind Sweeney. He might some day, but not yet.

The Royals begin a new series at home tonight against Seattle. Gil Meche (3-2, 2.44) will go against Felix Hernandez (2-2, 2.77). Meche is 1-0 against Seattle in his career with a 0.00 ERA. Hernandez is 1-0 against the Royals with a 1.13 ERA.