Game Date: June 3, 2007
Devil Rays 5, Royals 1 / Box Score
WP: Howell (1-0), LP: Elarton (1-2)
Royal Home Runs: LaRue (4)
Royals Record: 21-36
Well, J.P. Howell got his revenge. He threw a career-high eight innings against us and gave up just five hits, while striking out seven.
The Royals only really had one chance to break through against him. In the fourth inning, we had the bases loaded with one out, but Ryan Shealy struck out and Tony Pena flew out.
Scott Elarton continues to struggle. He allowed four runs in 5.2 innings. The funny this is, he lowered his ERA from 7.65 to 7.36. This was Elarton's fifth start since coming back and his numbers aren't pretty. He's given up 7 home runs, 31 hits, 22 runs, and 14 walks in just 25.2 innings of work. His WHIP is 1.75 and opponents are hitting .295 against him. Obviously, he isn't fooling anybody.
Tomorrow afternoon in Tampa, Gil Meche (3-4, 3.00) goes against James Shields (4-0, 3.13). Meche is 1-3 against the Devil Rays in his career with a 5.52 ERA. Shields is 1-0 against the Royals with a 0.00 ERA (in six innings of work).
2 comments:
Wouldn't Elarton's numbers scream for Greinke to go back into the rotation?
Greinke seems to have found his niche in the bullpen. I think I'd rather see Brandon Duckworth go back into the rotation. He put up impressive numbers while in the rotation earlier this season and he would probably be much more solid than Elarton at this point.
I'm not sure what the answer is with Elarton. Maybe he needs six or eight starts in Omaha to regain his command and to build his stamina. I can't see running him out there in KC every fifth day the way he's pitching right now.
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