NewsDavies eyes similar results vs. Sox
Kansas City (15-11) vs. Chicago (12-13), 7:10 p.m. CT
By Dick Kaegel / MLB.com
05/05/09 2:10 AM ET
KANSAS CITY -- When Kyle Davies faced the White Sox the first time this year, he pitched shutout ball for seven innings. But he knows he was fortunate that time around."The White Sox, at least the last couple years I've been around here, have always been a team that if you let baserunners get on ahead of those guys -- in front of [Jim] Thome, in front of [Paul] Konerko, in front of [Jermaine] Dye -- they can hurt you with a two-, three-run home run," Davies said.
Davies knows from personal experience that those guys are dangerous. Thome, Konerko and Dye each have walloped a home run against him. Dye has been out with a bruised hand, but he might be back in the lineup on Tuesday night.
"And that's the big thing with starting pitching," Davies continued. "You can keep us in the game giving up one run here and there, but you can't give up three or four because that pretty much turns the game around."
Davies hasn't been around the American League that long, but Konerko has hit .462 (6-for-13) against him and Thome .364 (4-for-11). Backup player Wilson Betemit also is dangerous, going 3-for-5 with two homers and five RBIs against Davies.
The Royals' starters have been performing well so far this season, ranking third among American League rotations through Sunday.
"It's early, but I think everyone's happy. Everyone could be a little bit better, I think, except Zack [Greinke]," Davies said. "But it's early, a month in, and we're happy with where we're at -- 15-11 and in first place."
Pitching matchupKC: RHP Kyle Davies (2-1, 4.85 ERA)
Davies had just two smooth innings against the Blue Jays last Thursday, but he got through 5 2/3 innings and notched his second victory. The game began with a Marco Scutaro home run, but Davies had the benefit of four double plays before he exited in the sixth. Obviously he had his groundball pitches working, but he didn't notch a single strikeout, the first time in his career he went five or more innings without a whiff. His first start this season came against the White Sox, and he shut them out for seven innings but didn't get credited with the win in a 2-1 victory. Davies gave up just three singles and struck out eight. CWS: RHP Gavin Floyd (2-2, 5.52 ERA)
For the third time in four starts, Floyd didn't exactly have dominant stuff. But he managed to make enough big pitches over his six innings to keep the White Sox close against the Mariners and allow the South Siders to rally for the victory. Floyd gave up three runs on 10 hits, striking out three and walking two while stranding six baserunners over the first three innings alone. He has an 0-1 record against the Royals this year, although he only gave up two runs in seven innings. Floyd also has an 0-2 record with a 5.84 ERA lifetime at Kauffman Stadium. Crown points
Two relievers began Minor League injury rehabilitation assignments on Monday -- right-hander Doug Waechter (elbow strain) to Triple-A Omaha and left-hander John Bale (thyroid surgery) to Double-A Northwest Arkansas. Waechter pitched one inning against Memphis, giving up two hits but no runs. ... Luke Hochevar was named the Pacific Coast League's pitcher of the week after going 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA in 13 innings for Omaha. He gave up one unearned run, six hits and five walks while notching 12 strikeouts. ... Dennis Hurla, who has coached Bishop Ward High School to six straight Kansas 4A baseball championships, was in the Buck O'Neil Legacy Seat on Monday night. ... There'll be a Cinco de Mayo celebration in the Outfield Experience area starting at 4:30 p.m. CT on Tuesday. Entertainment includes Miguel "Mambo" DeLeon and his 10-piece band plus a mariachi band and dancing. The concession stands will have specials on Mexican food. Tickets
Buy tickets now to catch the game in person.
On the Internet
MLB.TV
Gameday Audio• Gameday
• Official game notes On television
• FSKC-HD On radio
• KCSP 610 Up next
• Wednesday: Royals (Sidney Ponson, 0-4, 7.16) vs. Mariners (Carlos Silva, 1-2, 7.36), 7:10 p.m. CT
• Thursday: Royals (Brian Bannister, 2-0, 1.96) vs. Mariners (Jarrod Washburn, 3-1, 2.97), 1:10 p.m. CT
• Friday: Royals (Gil Meche, 2-2, 4.14) at Angels (Matt Palmer, 2-0, 3.65), 9:05 p.m. CT
Dick Kaegel is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
