Game 11

Game Date: April 12, 2008
Twins 2, Royals 0 / Box Score
WP: Bonser (1-2), LP: Tomko (1-1), SV: Nathan (4) 
Royal Home Runs: None
Royals Record: 6-5

The Royals have scored one run (total) in the last three games. How could they do anything but lose all three of those games? I have a feeling that our lack of ability to score runs is going to be a concern all season long.

Trey Hillman changed the lineup for this one, but it didn't do any good. Alberto Callaspo got the nod at shortstop again, and he hit leadoff, going 1-for-4. Billy Butler and Jose Guillen were flipped in the order but they were 1-for-8 between then. Miguel Olivo hit in front of Ross Gload and was 0-for-4. And Joey Gathright hit ninth and went 1-for-2.

Brett Tomko was good. Not Boof Bonser-good. But good enough to keep the Royals in the game. He gave up just two earned runs on six hits and a walk in 6.0 innings. And the bullpen did its job. The combination of Ramon Ramirez, Ron Mahay, and Leo Nunez held the Twins scoreless over the final three innings. But it didn't matter. And the 36,000+ who packed the K last night for the free Billy Butler jersey went away disappointed. Well, maybe they didn't. They got a free jersey out of the deal.

This afternoon Brian Bannister (2-0, 1.50) will try to salvage the final game of the series before the Royals head to Seattle. Bannister will face Francisco Liriano (0-0, 0.00). Bannister is 2-0 in his career against the Twins with a 2.05 ERA. Liriano is 1-0 against the Royals with a 0.00 ERA.