Game 103: Tampa Bay @ Kansas City

Game Date: July 24, 2008
Royals 4, Rays 2 / Box Score
WP: Meche (8-9), LP: Garza (8-6), SV: Soria (27)
Royal Home Runs: None
Royals Record: 46-57

All of a sudden, Gil Meche's numbers aren't looking so bad. Last night, he had another great outing—throwing seven shutout innings and lowering his ERA to a season low, 4.31. If he stays on track, he'll be a big boost to a rotation that has been struggling for quite a while.

The Royals struck early in this one, and, of course, David DeJesus was in the middle of it. He singled to lead off the first inning. Then Mike Aviles singled. And Mark Grudzielanek got DeJesus home on a sacrifice fly. The Royals took a 1-0 lead into the fourth inning, during which they scored three more times. After Alex Gordon singled and Billy Butler walked, Ross Gload drove in Gordon with a single and John Buck followed Gload with a two-run double to right field. Joakim Soria had a shaky ninth, but after giving up a run, he buckled down and got the save.

With Joey Gathright going on the DL, Mitch Maier got the call to replace him on the roster. Maier hasn't been in the big leagues since 2006. He was just 2-for-13 during a short five game stretch, but most Royals fans have been anxious to see what he could do for some time now. In Omaha this season, Maier was hitting .316 with 9 HR and 41 RBI in 85 games, so he could bring some welcome power to a lethargic offense.

Did you get a chance to see John Buck's new haircut—if that's what you want to call it? Gil Meche promised Buck that he'd pitch well if Buck would allow him to shave his head before the game, and Buck relented. Having a bald head in the dog days of a long Kansas City summer can't be all bad. Buck sent his wife a text message before the game saying, "Do you really love me for me?" She asked him why and he said, "Don't miss the game tonight. You'll know why." How funny is that? I love baseball stories and this is a good one. It's a good thing Meche pitched well.

Tonight, Brian Bannister (7-8, 5.49) will go up against Edwin Jackson (5-7, 4.25). Bannister is 1-1 in his career against the Rays with a 4.85 ERA in 13.0 IP. Jackson is 1-1 against the Royals with a 5.40 ERA in 11.2 IP.