It’s not usually something you see in spring training, but there was a pitcher’s duel last night in Arlington, Texas between the Kansas City Royals and the Texas Rangers. The Royals could manage only three hits as they lose to the Rangers 2-1.
Four different Texas Rangers would keep the Royals bats quiet. In the seventh, Kansas City would get their first hit, a double by Jose Guillen. He would score thanks to a triple by Mitch Maier.
Kansas City starter Luke Hochevar would have a very good outing. He would throw four scoreless innings, but a bit of a scare for him, and the Royals would happen in that inning. Hochevar would take a line drive off of his left ankle. He would be taken out of the game, but afterwards said that he felt fine.
Switch hitting Royals third baseman Alberto Callaspo made his return to the lineup last night. He has been out of action since March 25th, when he felt discomfort in his right side as he was swinging left handed during batting practice. Callaspo had not been feeling any pain when he swung right handed, so he made the start last night against the Rangers since their starting pitcher was left handed.
The Royals and Rangers will finish up their exhibition series this afternoon, but in another stadium. They will play at Dr. Pepper Ballpark in Frisco, Texas, the home field for the Rangers Double A team. Brian Bannister will get the start for Kansas City.
After the game, the Royals will make their way back to Kansas City and will open the season on Monday afternoon at Kaufmann Stadium against the Detroit Tigers.
Today’s game will start at 1:05.
