Series Preview – Royals (66-64) at Twins (57-72)

Tonight begins the final series of 2013 between the Kansas City Royals and Minnesota Twins. Kansas City has won 12 of the 16 meetings this season, which has been a nice reverse compared to previous seasons.

Danny Duffy returns to the Royals rotation on Wednesday against the Twins as Kansas City and Minnesota meet for the final time in 2013. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Series Preview –

After snapping their seven game losing streak KC has won back-to-back games against Washington and Tampa Bay. This begins a road trip through the Twin Cities and Toronto for the boys in blue. Minnesota is 3-3 in their last six but have lost two straight and are home for this brief three game series before hitting the road again.

Franchise Series History –

Kansas City is 5-2 in Minneapolis this season which now makes them 14-20 all-time at Target Field and 151-192 in the three venues the Twins have called home. The success this season now put the overall series record at 365-327 in favor of the Twins. The 12-4 mark exceeds highs the Royals set against Minnesota in 1975 and 2003.

Probable Pitching Matchups –

Tuesday, August 27 (7:10 pm/FSKC &610 Sports): James Shields (8-8, 3.22) v. Kevin Correia (8-10, 4.52)
– Shields got roughed up when facing the Twins on August 6 losing 7-0 going six innings allowing seven runs
– Prior to that outing he was 2-0 against Minnesota this season

Wednesday, August 28 (7:10 pm/FSKC &610 Sports): Danny Duffy (1-0, 1.86) v. Andrew Albers (2-1, 3.00)
– Duffy returns to the KC rotation for the first time since starting against Detroit
– Versus the Tigers he went six innings, allowing one hit while allowing zero runs with three strikeouts

Thursday, August 29 (12:10 pm/610 Sports): Bruce Chen (5-2, 2.88) v. Samuel Deduno (8-7, 3.69)
– Chen is 23-12 in August which is a .657 winning percentage which is ninth among active starters
– In his last start Bruce was unable to hold a six run lead against Washington and dropped his second straight decision

2013 Results –                               

After struggling for years against Minnesota the Royals have gone 12-4 this season against their I-29 rivals in 2013. Last time these teams met was earlier this month where Kansas City took two-of-three against the Twins. In the opener KC won 13-0, losing game two 7-0 and bouncing back for a 6-2 series finale win.

TV/Radio –

Fox Sports Kansas City brings you two of the three games between the teams with no TV in the Thursday finale, Steve Physioc and Rex Hudler on the broadcast. Joel Goldberg hosts Royals Live before and after the game. Each game can be heard on the Royals Radio Network (610 Sports Radio) with Steve Stewart providing the call.

2013 Schedule v. Twins – KC 12-4

April 8-10, Kauffman Stadium – Royals swept the series with 3-1, 7-4 and 3-1 wins
June 4-6, Kauffman Stadium – Royals won 2-of-3 after losing opener 3-0 but won 4-1 and 7-3
June 27-30, Target Field – Teams split the four game series alternating wins MIN 3-1, 6-2 and KC 9-3, 9-8
July 30-31 and August 1, Target Field – Kansas City swept the series in Minnesota, Shields, Guthrie and Shields with wins
August 5-7, Kauffman Stadium – Royals took two of three outscoring MIN 19-9
August 27-29, Target Field

Current AL Central and Wildcard Standings for August 27 –

GB = Games Back

AL Central: Detroit (77-54), Cleveland (71-59/5.5 GB), Kansas City (66-64/10.5 GB), Minnesota (57-72/19 GB), Chicago (54-76/22.5 GB)

Wildcard Standings (Top 2 make playoffs): Rays (74-55/+1.5), Athletics (73-57/-), Indians (71-59/2 GB), Orioles (70-59/2.5 GB), Yankees (69-62/4.5 GB), Royals (66-64/7 GB), Mariners (59-71/14 GB), Angels (58-71/14.5 GB), Blue Jays (59-73/15 GB), Twins (57-72/15.5 GB), White Sox (54-76/19 GB), Astros (44-86/29 GB)

Game Notes –

Minnesota
Kansas City