It’s been a rough year for Zach Greinke.  Coming off of his Cy Young season, he got off to a nice start in April (five starts, 2.56 ERA, 1.11 WHIP) only to get little run support and he went 0-2.  Since then, he’s looked mortal and he now finds his ERA sitting at a nice even 4.00 after the Tigers tagged him for six runs (five earned) in six frames.  Greinke will be back in my opinion but in more ways then one, I’m sure he’s not too sad that we’re closing the books on 2010.

Rick Porcello looked sharp through four innings but then he was tagged for five runs in the top of the fifth inning when the Royals took their first and only lead.  In all, he gave up twelve hits in 5 1/3 innings and this was after a nice string of starts for Rick.  The hitters came through and his four game winning streak is intact.

The Tigers took the lead back in the sixth inning when Will Rhymes belted a two run home run on a shot that was reviewed by the replay officials. Al Avila then hit a solo shot in the eighth inning for some insurance.  Avila finished three for four with the home run, three RBIs and two runs.  Ramon Santiago had a pair of singles and an RBI.

Brad Thomas picked up the win and he improved to 6-2 with 1 2/3 innings of shutout relief.  Dan Schereth struck out the side in the eighth and then Phil Coke got the final two outs for his second save of the season.

Game two is tonight.  Armando Galarraga goes up against Bruce Chen.

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