History already? But we just started…
Let’s see… When was the last time the Burlington Royals started the season 2–0?
2007?
No
2008?
Try again.
2009, ’10, ’11?
Oh, there it is: 2012.
For the first time since the club became a Kansas City Royals affiliate, Burlington is 2–0 and has a chance to sweep its opening series. They have hit: league leaders in doubles (6), tied for first in homers (2), third in total bases (27) and third in RBI (11). They have pitched: league leaders in ERA (1.89), second in WHIP (1.00) and third in strikeouts (16). And they have been timely: Game one featured center fielder Terrance Gore gunning out a runner at third, Patrick Leonard breaking up a perfect game with a go-ahead homer in the fifth and Fred Ford starting a seven-run 10th inning rally with an RBI double. In game two, Burlington got another clutch hit from Mark Threlkeld. His eighth inning two-run homer changed a one-run deficit into a one-run lead, helping the Royals to a 7–5 win. Oh, and did we mention they’ve done all of that without Bubba Starling?
So with history — Ok, history might be a strong word for a three-game winning streak — With a sweep on the line, who does Burlington need to rely on tonight? I ask… and I answer:
Fred Ford- His big double in game one was one of three that the former Jefferson College outfielder had in the first two games. Ford leads the Appy League in doubles and is second only to Elizabethton’s Rory Rhodes in total bases. The Royals’ cleanup hitter doesn’t have to duplicate his previous performances, but another good game at the plate would go a long way toward picking up the rest of the Burlington offense.
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Humberto Arteaga- The Venezuelan shortstop has been, statistically, the most clutch Royal. Too bad he won’t get credit for it (outside of this blog) since he doesn’t have a game-winning hit. Arteaga is 2-for-2 with runners in scoring position and 2-for-3 with runners on base. That’s right… the man only hits with runners on. The 18-year old also accounts for five of Burlington’s runs (2 runs scored, 3 RBI).
Terrance Gore- Exactly what the Royals need out of their leadoff hitter. Two hits, two walks, two stolen bases, three runs scored, and a team-leading .400 OBP (excluding Adrian Morales, who only has four plate appearances). No need to be fancy. As long as he keeps getting on, he’ll keep stealing bags and keep crossing the plate.
Daniel Hernandez- C’mon, of course the starting pitcher is a key to the game. This is Hernandez’s first start since missing all of 2011 with elbow surgery. In 2010, however, Hernandez had a great year for Burlington. The right-hander and college teammate of Jose Rodriguez went 2–0 with a 2.19 ERA. In 12.1 innings, he struck out 13 and kept an opponents’ batting average of .174.
Keep in mind, Hernandez was mostly a reliever (7 appearances out of the pen and one start) in 2010. So, we will see how far he goes in his first outing back. Manager Tommy Shields used five relievers last night. He and pitching coach Carlos Martinez may be similarly cautious tonight.
- First pitch tonight is scheduled for 7 pm in Pulaski, VA.
- The Royals return home tomorrow night for their home opener against the Elizabethton Twins. That game starts a six-game homestand, which means we will be on the air tomorrow through Wednesday. Go to BurlingtonRoyals.com to hear the broadcast and for further information on the Royals.
Andrew Luftglass
Have a question or comment? Email the booth at burlingtonroyalsradio@gmail.com or tweet me @Lufty_BRoyals.
