Game 78: Colorado @ Kansas City

Game Date: June 24, 2008
Royals 7, Rockies 3 / Box Score
WP: Greinke (7-4), LP: De La Rosa (2-4)
Royal Home Runs: Gordon (9)
Royals Record: 35-43

Looking at the pitching match up tonight, you had to feel pretty confident if you are a Royals fan. Zack Greinke has established himself as the ace of this staff, while at the same time, Jorge De La Rosa struggled so bad this spring for the Royals that he was designated for assignment and then traded to Colorado. The match up on paper pretty much held true to form. Greinke went six innings, giving up three earned runs, while striking out ten (matching a career high). De La Rosa gave up four runs (two of which were earned) in 4.2 innings. Greinke got the win; De La Rosa got the loss.

The Royals struck first with an RBI single from Miguel Olivo in the fourth inning. The Rockies tied it in the fifth, but the Royals had an answer in the bottom of the same inning. Ross Gload, David DeJesus, and Mike Aviles all singled in runs to make it 4-1 Royals. The Rockies added two runs in the sixth, but a fielder's choice and a two run-home run by Alex Gordon put the game out of reach.

In the ninth inning, Ramon Ramirez threw two pitches behind Yorvit Torrealba. You have to wonder if there is bad blood between the two former teammates. I can't imagine that both pitches were an accident. Maybe we'll hear more about this in the next day or two. [Update: Sam Mellinger over at Ball Star has more about this. Here's a link.]

A few tidbits to note:

• The Royals have an 11-3 record in interleague play which is the best in baseball.
• The Royals have won nine of their last ten games and they have moved to within 7.5 games of first place in the AL Central.
• Mike Aviles is hitting .352 since coming to KC on May 29, which ironically is one point higher than Billy Butler is hitting in Omaha since being sent down to Triple-A that same day.
• David DeJesus has a ten game hitting streak.
• Mark Grudzielanek missed his third straight game with a sore lower back.
• The Royals claimed Robinson Tejeda off waivers today. He's been pitching with the Rangers. In four appearances, he had a 9.00 ERA and 1.67 WHIP. But the Royals were probably looking at his numbers in Triple-A Oklahoma this season where he was 1-1 with a 2.18 ERA in ten games. His fastball reaches 95 mph, but he tends to walk a lot of guys. He was placed on the 40-man roster (the Royals moved John Bale to the 60-day DL to make room for Tejada).

The Royals will be looking for the sweep tomorrow night against the Rockies. Luke Hochevar (4-5, 4.86) will go up against Aaron Cook (10-4, 3.57). Neither pitcher has faced the opposing team.