Game Preview – Rays (74-54) at Royals (65-64)

Sunday Kansas City snapped their seven game losing streak which had stretched a week against Detroit, Chicago and the first two games against the Nationals. Today is the make-up of the “Snow” game the Royals and Rays played on May second which KC lead 1-0 in the fourth inning, the game was called so here we are.

Today the Rays and Royals makeup the May 2nd “Snow Game” with Wil Myers making his return to Kauffman Stadium. Photo Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

Game Preview –

The two teams are going in different directions with Tampa Bay 7-3 in their last 10 while Kansas City has gone 3-7. TB took two of three from the Yankees at the Trop over the weekend with KC pulling out a win versus the Nationals to avoid the sweep.

Franchise Series History –

Kansas City has had their hands full against Tampa Bay since the Rays started playing in 1998. During the ’98 season KC went 8-3 which was good for a .727 winning percentage, the Royals so far have taken five-of-six for a .883 clip. The Rays hold a 68-57 record against the Royals but KC leads 31-26 at the K in addition to going 9-3 the last 12 in Kansas City.

Today’s Pitching Matchup –

Monday, August 26 (1:10 pm/610 Sports): Jeremy Hellickson (10-7, 5.01) v. Jeremy Guthrie (12-10, 4.27)
– Makes his 21^st career start against the Rays (23^rd appearance) and second start this season, loss 5-3 on June 15
– Guthrie is 7-11 with a 4.20 ERA against Tampa Bay (62 earned runs in 133 innings pitched), most appearances coming during his stint in Baltimore from 2007-11

2013 Results –                               

Kansas City won the first two games this season when Tampa Bay visited Kauffman Stadium in late April and early May. The teams met in St. Pete in June which saw the Royals take two of three by scores of 10-1, 7-2 and 5-2 with Ervin Santana, Luis Mendoza and Wade Davis picking up wins. Against the Rays, KC is averaging seven runs a game in six meetings so far.

Royals Homecoming –

Today marks the return of a former Royal and highly touted prospect to Kauffman Stadium. David DeJesus was recently joined the Rays will start in centerfield while Wil Myers gets the start in right field. Myers who was part of the James Shields trade has been on a tear since being called up from Triple-A Durham earlier this season.

Starting Lineups –

Tampa Bay: David DeJesus CF, Ben Zobrist 2B, Evan Longoria DH, Matt Joyce LF, Wil Myers RF, James Loney 1B, Jose Lobaton C, Kelly Johnson 3B, Yunel Escobar SS

Kansas City: Alex Gordon LF, Emilio Bonifacio 2B, Eric Hosmer 1B, Billy Butler DH, Mike Moustakas 3B, Salvador Perez C, Justin Maxwell RF, Alcides Escobar SS, Jarrod Dyson CF

Radio –                                         

As always every game can be heard on the Royals Radio Network (610 Sports Radio in KC) Royals Hall of Famer/2007 Ford C. Frick Award winner Denny Matthews being joined in the booth by Steve Physioc and Steve Stewart.

2013 Schedule/Results v. Rays – KC leads 5-1

April 30-May 2, Kauffman Stadium – Kansas City won 8-2 and 9-8 with game three being snowed out
June 13-16, Tropicana Field –  KC took three of four in St. Pete winning 10-1, 7-2 and 5-3 with 5-3 loss
August 26, Kauffman Stadium

Current AL Central and Wildcard Standings for August 26 –

GB = Games Back

AL Central: Detroit (77-53), Cleveland (71-59/6 GB), Kansas City (65-64/11.5 GB), Minnesota (57-72/19.5 GB), Chicago (54-75/22.5 GB)

Wildcard Standings (Top 2 make playoffs): Rays (74-54/+2.5), Athletics (72-57/-), Indians (71-59/1.5 GB), Orioles (70-59/2 GB), Yankees (69-61/3.5 GB), Royals (65-64/7 GB), Mariners (59-70/13 GB), Angels (58-71/14 GB), Blue Jays (58-73/15 GB), Twins (57-72/15 GB), White Sox (54-75/18 GB), Astros (43-86/29 GB)

Game Notes –
Tampa Bay
Kansas City