Series Preview: Twins (47-57) at Royals (53-51)

Carlos Santana won’t be taking any swings this week at the K so the Royals have that going for them when welcoming Minnesota. That said the Twins come in last place which creates an opportunity for Kansas City to make up ground in the division/wildcard before heading on the road.

James Shields gets the ball to open the series against the Twins at Kauffman Stadium. Photo Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Probably Pitching Match-ups:
Tuesday, 7:10 pm – Kyle Gibson/RHP (8-8, 4.19) v. James Shields/RHP (9-5, 3.58)
Wednesday, 7:10 pm – Phil Hughes/RHP (10-7, 4.10) v. Danny Duffy/LHP (5-10, 2.47)
Thursday, 7:10 pm – Kevin Correia/RHP (5-13, 5.06) v. Yordano Ventura/RHP (7-8, 3.63)

Comments on Pitching Match-ups – KC has the pitching aligned how fans would prefer heading into this next series. Shields, hasn’t been pitching his best but against the Twins this presents another chance for him to bounce back against Gipson who has given the Royals troubles. Duffy, pitches Wednesday night against Hughes which is intriguing since Danny has pitched better than his record and his opponent having a winning record. Thursday the series concludes with a Correia-Ventura duel that should be fun to watch.

Series Predictions – I did think three out of four wins would happen against Cleveland last series and this is should be a winnable series against the Twins. With that said, the Royals need a sweep here where taking two of three helps also. Prediction: Royals sweep

2014 Meetings:
It’s been a month since these teams played up in Minneapolis which saw our boys in blue take two of three winning 6-1 and 4-0 while dropping a 10-2 decision. The season series sits at Minnesota leading 5-4 in 2014.

Franchise History:
Minnesota enters this tilt with an all-time advantage of 370-334 heading into the next chapter between division foes. After the last meeting in April at the K the Royals now trail the Twins 172-171 in the city of fountains while holding a 154-153 mark at Kauffman Stadium.

TV/Radio Coverage:
All three games can be seen on FOX Sports Kansas City with Ryan Lefebvre and Rex Hudler handing the TV broadcast. Joel Goldberg leads Royals Live before and after from Rivals with Royals Hall of Famer Jeff Montgomery. On the Royals Radio Network (610 Sports Radio in KC) will be Royals Hall of Famer/2007 Ford C. Frick Award winner Denny Matthews joined by Steve Physioc and Steve Stewart.

AL Central Standings (July 29):
Detroit Tigers (57-45, – GB)
Kansas City Royals (53-51, 5 GB)
Cleveland Indians (52-53, 6.5 GB)
Chicago White Sox (51-55, 8 GB)
Minnesota Twins (47-57, 11 GB)

AL Wildcard Standings (July 29):
Los Angeles Angels (63-41, +7.5 GMS)
Toronto Blue Jays (57-50, – )
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New York Yankees (54-51, 2 GB)
Seattle Mariners (54-51, 2 GB)
Royals (53-51, 2.5 GB)
Indians (52-53, 4 GB)
Tampa Bay Rays (52-54, 4.5 GB)
White Sox (51-55, 5.5 GB)
Boston Red Sox (48-58, 8.5 GB)
Twins (47-57, 8.5 GB)

2014 Series Schedule/Results v. Twins (MIN 5-4)
April 11-13, Target Field – L 10-1, L 7-1, L 4-3
April 18-20, Kauffman Stadium – W 5-0, W 5-4, L 8-3
June 30-July 2, Target Field – W 6-1, L 10-2, W 4-0
July 29-31, Kauffman Stadium
August 15-18, Target Field
August 26-28, Kauffman Stadium

Game Notes:
Minnesota Twins
Kansas City Royals