This Sweet 16 matchup features AL West division mates. The #11 Texas Rangers vs the #6 Kansas City Royals. The Rangers finished 87-75, 2nd in the AL West, 5 games behind the Royals. The AL West Champion Royals finished 92-70.
The Rangers send stud lefty John Matlack (15-13 2.27 Grade 18) to the mound against Dennis Leonard (21-17 3.33 Grade 13).
Great pitching matchup and they didn’t disappoint. The Rangers strike first Johnny Grubb goes deep off Leonard to give the Rangers a 1-0 lead. The Royals would get that run back plus one in the 4th, as John Wathan ropes a double down the line to score 2. With the score 2-1 the Rangers could offer up no more offense as Al Hrabosky comes in to get the final 3 outs and secure the Royals win. Royals win 2-1.
WP: Dennis Leonard (1-0)
LP: John Matlack (0-1)
Save: Al Hrabosky (1)
HR’s: Texas – Johnny Grubb (1)