Apr. 18, 2009 (The Dallas Morning News delivered by Newstex ) --
Despite a nice performance by Kevin Millwood, the Rangers couldn't get any runs across and lost for the seventh time in the last eight games. Zack Greinke was very impressive for Kansas City as both starters pitched complete games (the third time that's happened at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. The last time was May 27, 1996 vs. White Sox. Roger Pavlik with the win). Greinke has 34 consecutive shutout innings dating back to last season. The attendance was 37,635. Discuss:
? Kevin Millwood. He allowed two runs on five hits and kept his team in the game. Millwood also pitched a complete game, letting the bullpen get a break. He's pitching like a No. 1 starter should through three starts, yet is 1-1. He had back-to-back 9-inning starts last August, by the way. He threw 111 pitches on Saturday. Millwood lost a complete game last April.
? Wasted chances. It's about doing the little things. Hank Blalock tripled in the second and Marlon Byrd and Nelson Cruz could not hit a ground ball to the right side of the infield to get him home. Jarrod Saltalamacchia had a double to leadoff the third, went to third on a nice sac bunt by Elvis Andrus and was stranded there. Greinke didn't give them many other chances.
? Josh Hamilton. He has seven strikeouts in his last three games and does not look comfortable at the plate. He's chasing breaking pitches and because of that, isn't see as many fastballs. He has gone back to his toe tap, a timing mechanism that he got rid of before spring training. Your thoughts on Hamilton?
? 4-7 record. What will the record look like after next week's road trip? (That's eight games, including Sunday's finale against KC).
? Red jerseys. Have they lost their mojo?
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