Error Costly in Loss

Game Date: September 4, 2007
Rangers 9, Royals 8 / Box Score
WP: Rheinecker (2-1), LP: Nunez (2-3), SV: Wilson (11)
Royal Home Runs: Smith (5)
Royals Record: 62-76

What a difference a day makes, huh?

The Royals lost Ross Gload when he hyperextended his knee in the eighth inning while sliding into second base. Billy Buckner's first start was a bit of a disaster (6 ER in 4.0 innings). He was often behind hitters and he left too many pitches up in the zone. The Royals still found themselves tied 6-6 going into the seventh, but a bad throw by Jason LaRue and a non-catch by Alex Gordon at third set the stage for a Ranger win. The Royals scored single runs in the eight and the ninth, but fell one run short.

Several guys had big days at the plate. Mark Grudzielanek was 2-for-5 with an RBI. Mike Sweeney was 3-for-5 with an RBI. And Mark Teahen was 2-for-4 with an RBI. The Royals even drew six walks. Unfortunately, the pitching just didn't hold up. Leo Nunez got saddled with the loss after giving up two earned runs in just a third of an inning. And Jimmy Gobble gave up a run in 1.1 innings of work.

Tonight, Kyle Davies (2-3, 6.75) goes against Vicente Padilla (4-9, 6.36). Davies is 0-2 against the Rangers in his career with a 12.27 ERA. Padilla is 0-1 against the Royals with a 7.27 ERA.