Royals starter Bobby Keppel pitched eight shutout innings before he was taken out of the game with one on and no outs. Kansas City only led by two runs but it looked safe to assume Keppel would get his first major league win. Well, assuming makes a (you know the rest).

Reliever Ambiorix Burgos spoiled the night blowing his sixth save of the year. Burgos entered the game with Hank Blalock on first. Four of the next five batters reached base producing two runs in the process. Elmer Dessens relieved Burgos and allowed two more to cross the plate. Of the four runs, one was credited to Keppel and three to Burgos.

Keppel looked like a seasoned veteran for most of the game. During his eight innings, Keppel allowed seven hits and struck out two.

Gary Matthews capped off the winning inning for Texas with a two-run double off Dessens.

Another rookie, John Koronka, started the game for the Rangers. He surrendered six hits and two runs in 6 1/3 innings. Akinori Otsuka pitched two innings for the win. Francisco Cordero earned the save.

David DeJesus and Doug Mientkiewicz both had two hits for the Royals.

The Royals lost their ninth game in a row at Kauffman Stadium.

Kansas City will introduce new General Manager Dayton Moore today. He will enter a situation that seems unfixable. The Royals are on pace to break the major league record for worse record in a season.