Zack Grienke pitched a whale of a game today, going 7 total innings, 2 earned runs, 9 strikeouts, and just four hits, but did not pick up a “W” today. You really can’t ask for much more than Grienke did today. Take the mound and giveyour ball club a chance to win. Granted, I am sure that he wishes he could have two pitches back, but there was no run support to speak of today. The two runs Texas scored were from solo home runs in the 1st and 6th innings. Other than that it was lights out from Grienke today. He really looked good. His ERA is staying below 2.00 at a solid 1.47.
His reliever, Leo Nunez, also has some impressive numbers. He pitched another scoreless inning today, and had his ERA drop slightly to 2.38. Nunez only gave up one hit in his inning, and looked to be in complete control.
It was the bats that were silent today, as they only picked up one run in the 3rd inning, off an RBI single from Grudzielanek. Other than that Ponson, for the Rangers, did a very good job of holding off these Royals, going 8 good innings with5 hits, 1 earned run, and not as many strike outs with 5. All in all, a very good performance today from the mound for Ponson and those pesky Rangers.
This game decided the series in favor of the Rangers 2-1, and the Royals don’t have to see them again until mid June when they host the Rangers at Kauffman Stadium. Their record slips again to a deflating 12-16.
The club looks to turn things around as they travel to Cleveland to play the Indians for a three game series this weekend before returning home on Monday to host the Angels of Anaheim. Hopefully some run support can help out this pitching staff, who is doing everything they can to keep this ship floating, after an incredible start to the year.