Royals Stop the Yankees

Game Date: July 26, 2007
Royals 7, Yankees 0 / Box Score
WP: De La Rosa (8-10), LP: Igawa (2-3)
Royal Home Runs: Gordon (7)
Royals Record: 44-57

Maybe this team finally has turned a corner. After the Royals lost the first three games of the series to the evil Yankees, Alex Gordon said that the team was upset because it was the first time they'd lost three in a row since June. And even after the Royals win last night, Gordon said that the Royals weren't happy with winning just one game in the series. I like to hear that.

Starting pitching cost us dearly in this series, but Scott Elarton is gone now. Leo Nunez will probably take his place in the rotation. Brandon Duckworth is getting closer to returning. And Billy Buckner was at least a consideration to replace Elarton. So, it would seem we might have a couple of options regarding the rotation.

Jorge De La Rosa pitched out of trouble often last night, but he always seemed to make the right pitch and the right time to wiggle off the hook. Zack Greinke was outstanding in relief, going 2.2 innings and not even allowing a hit. Joakim Soria threw a perfect ninth to close the game out.

The line up looked a bit odd. Ross Gload hit second. David De Jesus hit third. And in Frank White-like fashion, Mark Grudzielanek hit clean up. The odd order seemed to work. The Royals pounded out seven runs on ten hits and four walks. Alex Gordon had three hits, including a home run, and he has his average up to .245.

The Royals begin a new series at home tonight against the Rangers. Brian Bannister (6-6, 3.68) will go up against Jamey Wright (3-2, 4.15). Bannister has never pitched against the Rangers. Wright is 2-0 against the Royals with a 1.88 ERA.