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Zack Greinke's 2009 season doesn't seem all that long ago.
Then consider that on April 24, 2009, of the 10 players in Royal blue who appeared in the game, only Billy Butler remains with the club.
Going back to his final two starts of 2008, Greinke threw 38 consecutive scoreless innings. Cruising against the Tigers, Greinke gave up a leadoff double to Gerald Laird to open the fifth inning. After striking out Brandon Inge, Greinke fell behind future Royal Josh Anderson 3-1. Anderson squared up a fastball and drove it to deep center for the second out of the inning. Laird, however, tagged and attempted to take third. Given that Laird makes Butler look like Usain Bolt, shortstop Mike Aviles, who took the relay from Coco Crisp, figured he had a play. The throw sailed and Laird was able to rumble home.
A very Royal end to a consecutive inning scoreless streak.
Still, the run was unearned. And Greinke was able to throw his second straight complete game.
| Pitching | IP | H | R | ER | BB | SO | HR | BF | Pit | Str | Ctct | StS | StL | GB | FB | LD | GSc | WPA | RE24 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zack Greinke, W (4-0) | 9 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 10 | 0 | 0.00 | 30 | 108 | 68 | 33 | 13 | 22 | 11 | 8 | 3 | 88 | 0.253 | 0.64 | 3.7 |
| Team Totals | 9 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 10 | 0 | 0.00 | 30 | 108 | 68 | 33 | 13 | 22 | 11 | 8 | 3 | 88 | 0.253 | 0.41 | 3.7 |
According to Game Score, it was Greinke's second best outing of his Cy Young season. His best start was his one-hitter against the Mariners at the end of August.
Greinke was at his magical best in the opening month of the 2008 season. Through his first four starts, he threw two complete games, allowed 19 hits and just six walks in 29 innings. He struck out 34 batters.
I miss Greinke.