Zack Greinke Wrapping Up Cy Young Award

After an amazingly strong finish to the 2009 baseball season, Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke has all but wrapped up the 2009 American League Cy Young Award. His latest masterpiece was on Sunday when Greinke led the Royals to a 4-1 victory over the Minnesota Twins.

In seven innings, Greinke gave up only one earned run while striking out eight batters. The win improved his record to 16-8 and lowered his ERA to 2.06. His ERA is the lowest by any starting pitcher in the majors. And his record is impressive considering that the Royals are 64-92 on the season.

In the month of September, Greinke has allowed only two earned runs in 33 innings of work. Going back to the end of August, Greinke has given up only two earned runs in his last 42 innings.

For the Twins, this was a big loss. They trail the Detroit Tigers by only two games in the AL Central. But beating Greinke — as many teams can attest — is no simple task.

Zack Greinke - 2009 American League Cy Young Award (Image: Zuma Press)