Toronto (15-7) at Kansas City (10-10)

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Temp: 43° F
  • Game info: 8:10 pm EDT Wed Apr 29, 2009
  • TV: RSN, FSKC
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Zack Greinke finally gave up a run, but that hardly seems cause for concern.

Coming off consecutive complete-game efforts, the Kansas City right-hander looks to become the major leagues’ first five-game winner Wednesday night when the Royals continue a four-game home set with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Greinke (4-0, 0.00 ERA) continued his dominance that began late last season after giving up an unearned run and three hits while striking out 10 for the second straight contest in a 6-1 win over Detroit at home on Friday. The 25-year-old pitched a seven-hitter in a 2-0 victory at Texas on April 18 in his previous start.

“When Greinke pitches, the Royals are as good as any team in baseball,” Tigers manager Jim Leyland said.

The Tigers’ unearned run in the fifth inning snapped Greinke’s scoreless innings streak at 38 dating to last season, but he still leads the majors in ERA and is among the leaders with 36 strikeouts.

“It’s fun to watch Zack on the mound,” teammate Mark Teahen said. “I’m just glad he’s on our team.”

Greinke, who won a career-high 13 games in 2008, could face a bit of a challenge, though, against the AL East-leading Blue Jays (15-7), whose 133 runs are the most in the majors.

He is 1-3 with a 5.40 ERA in five starts against Toronto, which bounced back from a 7-1 series-opening loss by winning 8-1 on Tuesday.

Vernon Wells had three hits with three RBIs and Aaron Hill added three hits and drove in two runs for Toronto, which has yet to lose a series this season.

“We got the key hits at the right time,” Hill said. “It’s something we haven’t done in a while.”

Hill is batting .371 and hit safely in all but two games. He is 1-for-10, however, against Greinke.

Moved from the bullpen into the rotation due to injuries, Brian Tallet (1-0, 2.95) makes his third straight start for Toronto.

He allowed four hits and struck out five in 5 2-3 innings of a 14-0 win over the Chicago White Sox on Friday for his first victory as a starter since 2002. Tallet has allowed one earned run and eight hits in 11 innings over his two starts.

While facing Greinke won’t make things easy for the Blue Jays’ potent offense, Tallet appreciates the support, especially as he continues to get comfortable as a starter.

“It makes our jobs as pitchers a lot easier,” Tallet told the Blue Jays’ official Web site. “You can go out there and challenge guys with your best stuff, knowing that (your offense) is going to go out there and score some runs.”

The left-hander has allowed three runs in six relief outings against Kansas City, but will face the Royals as a starter for the first time.

David DeJesus went 2-for-4 and drove in the lone run Tuesday for the Royals (10-10), who have lost six of their last nine games and allowed a season-high 14 hits in their last contest.

Jose Guillen went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts Tuesday for Kansas City after hitting his first two homers of the season Monday.

Updated Apr 29, 1:23 am EDT
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Team Comparison

Team Record Standings Away/Home Streak L10
Toronto 75-87 4th East Away 31-50 Lost 3 6-4
Kansas City 65-97 4th Central Home 33-48 Lost 3 2-8

17 Comments

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  1. Shane
    17. Posted by Shane Thu Apr 30 3:33pm EDT

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    @ malakasmenos (#5)

    You are a jackass! A bust?!?!? He's only the BEST pitcher in baseball with the best record and lowest ERA....looking forward to whenever Greinke and the Royals come to your town and kick the crap out of your hometown team in THEIR stadium, and then to do it all again when your team comes to KC for another butt-kicking! Do us all a favor and don't post anymore. You blow.
  2. Grandpa
    16. Posted by Grandpa Thu Apr 30 2:30pm EDT

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    Greinke was a top draft choice for a reason..Greinke will start the All Star Game and is on pace ot win the Cy Young without question.. Santana the same way in the National league.. Glad they are both on my keeper team. Royals and Jays aren't going to any post season guise.. lets be serious for a change. K?? Thxby
  3. Ray Ray
    15. Posted by Ray Ray Thu Apr 30 2:28pm EDT

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    Grienke is unstoppable. he IS the best pitcher in baseball right now. and thats the bottom line. the stats prove it. who has a better era with 5 wins?
  4. Darrel P
    14. Posted by Darrel P Thu Apr 30 1:59pm EDT

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    Trade Him!
  5. Philip F
    13. Posted by Philip F Thu Apr 30 1:40pm EDT

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    I am praying to the baseball gods that the AL championship series is toronto and kc and the NL is pittsburgh and cincinnati. It's time we change things up in the most unfair organization in all of pro sports
  6. malakasmenos
    12. Posted by malakasmenos Thu Apr 30 12:51pm EDT

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    Dude this guy is the worst. he has been the most over rated picher for years now, the only reason he is a house hold name is because he plays on the high powered royals. if he were on a team like the redsox or mets no one would even know he exsist. this guy is a bust, i just call it like i see it
  7. SR
    11. Posted by SR Thu Apr 30 11:50am EDT

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    There is no such thing as a Jinx by a reporter. Just an athlete who can't mentally handle the pressure of the media. Unfortunately Zach has had a history of mental instability. I hope he can tune that crap out, and I really hope someone in the Royals organization is going to shelter him from the national hoopla!! It is a great story, and he appears to be a great kid. I can only hope the entire squad can put an entire season together and give us some October baseball at the K!!
  8. Shane W
    10. Posted by Shane W Thu Apr 30 11:14am EDT

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    Grienke is the best starter in baseball right now ... he has it all working. He's a great story; I recall hearing interviews the day the Royals draffted him in the first round, what's it been like six or seven years ago, and he has always seemed to be very humble. Here's hoping the best to the Royals; they've missed the playoffs for 23 years, hopefully this will be their year to return. Go Royals!
  9. Lou
    9. Posted by Lou Thu Apr 30 10:27am EDT

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    What's an Argo?
  10. <i>elripper</i>
    8. Posted by elripper Thu Apr 30 10:19am EDT

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    Please the Jays will fade and end up third.
  11. Shane
    7. Posted by Shane Thu Apr 30 1:32am EDT

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    I know it's still early in the season, but it's nice to see the Royals putting it to a great team like the Jays! Greinke for Cy Young Award this year!!!

    And to #2...WTF do you mean wrong game??? You're just pissed because your Jays got ROCKED by Greinke and Butler...BIG TIME!!!! Suck it up, loser!
  12. Jeffree K
    6. Posted by Jeffree K Wed Apr 29 9:41pm EDT

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    Royals have been playing great ball lately. Wins and losses. Good pitching. Get some more wins Royals!!
  13. Paul M
    5. Posted by Paul M Wed Apr 29 8:09pm EDT

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    wrong game dumbass.

    Go Jays!
  14. voice of reason
    4. Posted by voice of reason Wed Apr 29 7:33pm EDT

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    It's good to see the Jays performing so well. Toronto needs a team to cheer for. With the Argo's, Leafs, and Raptors in the same market area paying top buck for substandard product. At least, there is one deal in town, and when they have their excellent post-All Star game finish like they have the last three years~~all these April wins will count big time!!
  15. voice of reason
    3. Posted by voice of reason Wed Apr 29 7:33pm EDT

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    It's good to see the Jays performing so well. Toronto needs a team to cheer for. With the Argo's, Leafs, and Raptors in the same market area paying top buck for substandard product. At least, there is one deal in town, and when they have their excellent post-All Star game finish like they have the last three years~~all these April wins will count big time!!
  16. Mickey Hundley H
    2. Posted by Mickey Hundley H Wed Apr 29 6:59pm EDT

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    Here we go all of these sports reporters are trying to jinx the best thing the royals got going now the royals are really going to start sucking .... i feel so so sorry for zack you get in a good grove then you have these stupid sports reporter's talking about you and jinx you.. the royals are already fading look at the standing's..... but any way royals come on let's get this town rocking this year....gooooooooooooooo royals...........
  17. Houston
    1. Posted by Houston Wed Apr 29 11:03am EDT

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    let's see who prevails between johnson and santana McMassey
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Starting Pitchers

B. Tallet Tor vs. Z. Greinke KC
7-9 Record 16-8
5.32 ERA 2.16
120 K 242
72 BB 51
1.50 WHIP 1.07

Scoreboard

Wednesday, Apr 29