Spring Game #3

Game Date: February 27, 2009
Royals 6, Giants 1 / Box Score
Royals Spring Training Record: 2-1

Zack Greinke picked up where he left off last season in his two inning outing against the Giants yesterday. He threw nearly all four-seamers, going to his change-up just once (he didn’t use his two-seamer or curve ball) and sat the Giants down without allowing a hit or walk. Six of the seven pitchers who saw action for the Royals had scoreless outings, including Robinson Tejeda (two innings), Jamey Wright (one inning), and Joakim Soria (one inning). The Royals scored a run against Randy Johnson in the second inning and Johnson was saddled with the loss.

Ryan Shealy had the big blow for the Royals at the plate when he hit a three-run home run in the sixth inning against Ramon Ortiz. Miguel Olivo was 2-for-3 and Mike Aviles was 2-for-4 with an RBI. Mitch Maier has appeared in all three games, which is good to see. He’s just 1-for-7 so far, but with several guys departing for the WBC tomorrow, Maier will probably continue to get at bats throughout the spring.

John Bale is going to miss two weeks because he’s about to undergo surgery to remove his thyroid.

This Royals will play the Padres this afternoon in Surprise. Luke Hochevar and Brian Bannister are scheduled to pitch two innings.