Actually, Zack Greinke(notes) never really went anywhere, but his team record 15-strikeout performance in a 6-2 win over the Indians on Tuesday was reminiscent of earlier this season, when the Royals pitcher dominated magazine covers and it seemed as if no batter could come close to touching his stuff.
And just like those salad days in April and May, Greinke made it look effortless, telling reporters after the game that he wasn’t even aiming for a strikeout total that would break Mark Gubicza’s team record of 14 punchouts in 1988. Greinke entered the game with a plan to throw strikes and allow Cleveland to put the ball into play.
But given the varied stuff Kid K was commanding — he threw over 95 and under 75 in every innning except the first — that plan quickly changed.
From the Associated Press:
“They were taking a lot early and letting me get the two strikes,” Greinke said. “With two strikes, I usually try to strike guys out.”
Luckily, the Royals offense also successfully tried to get some runs. Though Kansas City has scored two or fewer runs in eight of Greinke’s 25 starts this season, they were able to produce enough output to give their ace only his second victory since June 28.
And for that, I say break out the Boulevard. After all their recent bad headlines, I’m guessing that Greinke, the Royals and the fans needed this one in the worst way.
– By ‘Duk | Yahoo!