ST Game #16

Game Date: March 14, 2008
Rangers 10, Royals 8 / Box Score
Royals Spring Training Record: 9-7

The Rangers own the Royals this spring. Yesterday, the Royals lost to them for the fourth straight time. If you look at Brett Tomko's line, you might be inclined to hang the loss on him, and I can understand that. His line wasn't pretty: 6 R (4 ER), 1 BB, 8 H, 4 K, in 4.1 IP. But according to an AP story: "Two hits were lost in the sun, some were wind-aided and others were not well struck." And Hillman said he liked Tomko's performance.

Yasuhiko Yabuta's line wasn't much to look at either. In fact it was much worse than Tomko's: 4 ER, 5 H, 1 BB, 0 K, in 1.0 IP. Hillman had this to say about Yabuta afterward: "He wasn't too sharp. The biggest problem was behind in the count. He's got to pitch ahead. He didn't locate his fastball very well. It was really totally opposite of his last outing when he located the ball as well as he has all spring.'' Yabuta's ERA is now 10.29, and yeah, it's just Spring Training, but it'd be nice to him string together several good outings in a row before the season starts.

Joakim Soria and Ron Mahay worked the final three innings without giving up any runs.

At the plate, the Royals had fourteen hits on the day. Billy Butler was 1-for-2 with a solo home run. Alberto Callaspo had another good game, going 2-for-3 with 2 RBI, and he raised his average to .342. Matt Tupman was 2-for-2 to raise his average to .375 and with Miguel Olivo possibly straining his groin during the game, Tupman may end up being the backup catcher to start the season, but it's too soon to tell. Mitch Maier finally had a decent day at the plate, going 2-for-4 to raise his average to .179. And Joey Gathright was 2-for-4 with an RBI.

Gil Meche is scheduled to start this afternoon against the Brewers and Hideo Nomo is scheduled to work four innings in relief.