Game 66: Texas @ Kansas City

Game Date: June 11, 2008
Rangers 11, Royals 5 / Box Score
WP: Padilla (8-3), LP: Gobble (0-2)
Royal Home Runs: Grudzielanek (2)
Royals Record: 25-41

If we've learned anything as Royals fans, we've learned that lightning can and does strike twice with this team. As much as we hoped that last night was an anomaly when Mark Teahen dropped a ball at first base that eventually led to four unearned runs, and ultimately the game, it happened again.

Well, sorta.

The Royals were leading 5-1, just like last night when Mile Aviles made a poor throw to Teahen on a ground ball to short. Teahen should have made the play, but he didn't. It got past him and a run scored on the play. After Fulchino walked Michael Young, Trey Hillman brought Jimmy Gobble into the game and the flood gates opened. He gave up a single, a walk, and a grand slam home run. Oh, and then a double after that. Before the Royals finally got out of the inning, they gave up seven runs.

And if that wasn't bad enough, Brett Tomko gave up even more runs in the ninth. He gave up three runs on a home run and four singles.

Our once solid bullpen is imploding. Losing Leo Nunez hurt, no doubt about that. But guys like Brett Tomko and Jimmy Gobble have been downright bad as of late. Gobble's ERA has climbed to over 8.00. And I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Tomko released soon. Brandon Duckworth is pitching well in Omaha right now and Kansas City could certainly use his arm. Let's hope he gets called up soon.

As for Gobble, he's not being used as a situational lefty like he was last year and his new role as innings eater is obviously not suiting his game well. I'd like to see Hillman go back to using him the way Buddy Bell did last year.

It wasn't all bad tonight. David DeJesus had two hits. So did Grud (including a home run), Teahen, and Mike Aviles. Jose Guillen was 3-for-5. But it was all overshadowed by the way the game ended.

Tomorrow afternoon, Brian Bannister (5-6, 4,98) will go up against Eric Hurley (0-0, 0.00). Bannister is 1-1 in his career against the Rangers with a 6.30 ERA in 10.0 IP. Hurley is making his first start of the year and he has never faced the Royals.