Game 9

Game Date: April 10, 2008
Yankees 6, Royals 1 / Box Score
WP: Pettitte (1-1), LP: Bale (0-2)
Royal Home Runs: None
Royals Record: 6-3

Watching Andy Pettitte struggle with his control early in the game, I thought that it was probably just a matter of time before the Royals jumped on him, but Pettitte righted the ship and was able to keep the Royals off the scoreboard after limiting them to just one run in the first inning.

John Bale wasn't horrible, although I'm not sure that I'm convinced he is deserving of the optimism that Trey Hillman has been showing him. One of the four earned runs he gave up last night was the result of Esteban German not being able to turn a double play. He fumbled the ball and couldn't get it out of his glove. But, as the old saying goes, you can't assume a double-play.

Joey Gathright continues to struggle at the plate, going 0-for-4 and dropping his average to .194. It's nice that he can steal a lot of bases, but when your lead off guy has an OBP of .231, well, it speaks for itself. Jose Guillen has been a disappointment so far in this young season. The stage was set for a dramatic comeback for the Royals when Guillen came up against Joba Chamberlain in the eighth inning with two outs and two guys on base. Rather than hitting the long ball to tie the game though, he struck out instead. At least Mark Teahen looked good at the plate. He got three hits and seemed to be right on the ball, even though he was facing a lefty.

In the field, the Royals looked sloppy. Joey Gathright over-ran a line drive hit in his direction in the fourth and had the ball deflect off the heel of his glove, or maybe even his wrist. That's a play that he has to make. Esteban German, who got the start at second base, failed to turn the aforementioned double play.

Oh, and how about that performance by Hideo Nomo? Wow. It's amazing that he only gave up two runs in the three innings he pitched. He was way up in the zone and looked very much like a 39 year-old pitcher who doesn't have anything left. He gave up back to back jacks in the ninth. I know it was against the Yankees and all, but you have to wonder if that was just a preview.

All in all, this was just one of those games. The Royals still won the series and open a new series at home tonight against the Twins. Gil Meche (0-1, 6.94) goes up against Livan Hernandez (2-0, 3.86). Meche is 6-4 in his career against the Twins with a 4.44 ERA. Hernandez is 1-0 against the Royals with a 5.14 ERA.