Kansas City Royals at Chicago White Sox – Opening Series Preview

Today the 2013 season begins for the Kansas City Royals on the Southside of Chicago against the White Sox. Here are the main nuts and bolts for the team’s first series of the year April 1-4 at the Cell.

Opening Day is here for the Royals as they head to Chicago to face the White Sox. The Royals send James Shields to take on Chris Sale today. Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Series Preview –

After a 25-7-1 spring in Surprise the Royals open the season at Chicago on April Fool’s Day. Taking the mound will be the “Big Game” James making his debut against the White Sox. Last season KC won 12 games against the South Siders.

Opening Day Lineups –

Royals: Alex Gordon LF, Alcides Escobar SS, Billy Butler DH, Mike Moustakas 3B, Salvador Perez C, Eric Hosmer 1B, Lorenzo Cain CF, Jeff Francoeur RF, Chris Getz 2B – James Shields SP

White Sox: Alejandro De Aza CF, Jeff Keppinger 3B, Alex Rios RF, Adam Dunn DH, Paul Konerko 1B, Dayan Viciedo LF, Alexei Ramirez SS, Tyler Flowers C, Gordon Beckham 2B – Chris Sale SP

Probable Pitching Matchups –

Monday, April 1 (3:10 pm): James Shields (0-0, 0.00) v. Chris Sale (0-0, 0.00)
– Shields will make his debut for the boys in blue
Wednesday, April 3 (1:10 pm): Ervin Santana (0-0, 0.00) v. Jake Peavy (0-0, 0.00)
– Santana was acquired in the offseason from Los Angeles will make his first start for KC
Thursday, April 3 (1:10 pm):  Jeremy Guthrie (0-0, 0.00) v. Gavin Floyd (0-0, 0.00)
– Can Guthrie continue to put up the numbers he did since coming over from Colorado?

2012 Results –

Last season the Royals went 12-6 against the White Sox which was KC’s best mark against any team they faced last year. Kansas City outscored Chicago 78-52 in 18 games.

TV/Radio –

All three games are on Fox Sports Kansas City in addition can be found on 610 Sports Radio.

2013 Schedule v. White Sox –

April 1-4, US Cellular Field
May 3-5, Kauffman Stadium
June 21-23, Kauffman Stadium
July 26-28, US Cellular Field
August 20-22, Kauffman Stadium
September 27-29, US Cellular Field