Game 67: Texas @ Kansas City

Game Date: June 12, 2008 
Royals 6, Rangers 5 / Box Score
WP: Mahay (2-0), LP: Francisco (1-2), SV: Soria (15) 
Royal Home Runs: Gordon (7), Aviles (1)
Royals Record: 26-41

This one looked a lot like so many other recent Royals games. We jumped out to a lead, then gave it up, then fought back, only to fall behind again and usually that's where the story ends. But not this time. With the Royals down 5-4 going into the bottom of the eighth inning, the Royals tied it up when Tony Pena scored on a wild pitch and they took the lead for good with a sacrifice fly to center by Jose Guillen that almost wasn't deep enough to score Alex Gordon from third. But Gordon made a great head first dive and avoided the tag.

Mike Aviles continued to be impressive at the plate. He got his first Major League home run--a two run shot in the fourth inning. Callaspo was 2-for-4 and has quietly moved his average to .301 in limited playing time. Ross Gload was back at first base after the problems that Mark Teahen has had over there the past couple of nights. And Teahen moved back out to right field.

Well, at least we salvaged one game in the series.

I'm sure you've heard by now that Brett Tomko was designated for assignment to Omaha. He's a likable guy, but he's just not pitching well enough to be in the Major Leagues. As I said yesterday, I wouldn't be surprised if the Royals release him. Problem is, they are on the hook for $3 million.

Carlos Rosa got the call to the big leagues in Tomko's spot. I'm excited to see Rosa pitch, but I hope we aren't rushing him. He started the year in Arkansas where he was 4-2 with a 1.20 ERA in eight starts. He moved on to Omaha where he was 2-1 with a 3.96 ERA in five starts. He won't start for the Royals unless somebody goes down. He'll be used out of the bullpen.

The Royals move on to Arizona now to begin a new series there. Zack Greinke (5-4, 3.77) will go up against Doug Davis (2-3, 4.88). Greinke is 0-0 against Arizona with a 22.85 ERA in 4.1 IP. Davis is 2-2 against the Royals with a 6.03 ERA in 34.1 IP.