Game 23: Toronto @ Kansas City

Game Date: April 25, 2008
Royals 8, Blue Jays 4 / Box Score
WP: Nunez (2-0), LP: Burnett (2-2)  
Royal Home Runs: None
Royals Record: 10-13

How good is Zack Greinke? I don't think anybody really knows the answer to that question, but we're near the end of April and his ERA is 1.25. He pitched seven strong innings last night, giving up just one earned run on five hits, and even then he didn't want to leave the game when Hillman decided it was time to turn to the bullpen. Greinke said that he argued a little before giving in. That's nice to hear from a guy with such a laid back attitude.

Unfortunately Leo Nunez finally got hit hard, giving up three earned runs in the top of the eighth, but the Royals stormed back in the bottom half of the inning and scored six runs. With one out in the inning and the Royals down 4-2, Jose Guillen singled. Mark Teahen walked. Billy Butler singled in Guillen. Ross Gload grounded into a fielder's choice that allowed Mark Teahen to score. Esteban German (who pinch ran for Butler) moved up to second. With the score tied 4-4, John Buck doubled in German. After Tony Pena got an intentional walk, David DeJesus singled in Gload and Buck. And finally Alberto Callaspo singled to center, scoring Pena to make in 8-4 Royals.

Greinke didn't get the win, but he kept the Royals in a position to win and that's all you can ask a starter to do.

Joakim Soria pitched a scoreless ninth and unbelievably, the guy still hasn't given up an earned run yet this season. In fact, his numbers are downright sick. He's made nine appearances, throwing nine innings, and he's given up just two hits, he hasn't walked one guy, he has 11 strikeouts, five saves, and a 0.22 WHIP.

Tonight, Luke Hochevar (0-1, 11.57) will go up against Shaun Marcum (2-1, 3.42). Hochevar has never faced the Blue Jays. Marcum is 2-0 against the Royals in his career with a 0.48 ERA.