Series Preview: Royals (69-55) at Rockies (49-75)

After taking three of four at Target Field, Kansas City now travels to Denver for the first time since 2011. This is the middle series of the current eight game road trip for our AL Central leading Royals. Fortunately since May, Colorado has fallen on tough times when they had a winning record and KC was under .500 while also having a healthy Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez who since have been out for long stretches.

The Royals look to continue to roll as they face the Rockies for two games in Denver on their road trip. It’s Kansas City first trip to Coors Field since 2011. Photo Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Probably Pitching Match-ups:
Tuesday, 7:40 pm – James Shields/RHP (11-6, 3.29) v. Tyler Matzek/LHP (2-8, 5.50)
Wednesday, 7:40 pm – Danny Duffy/LHP (8-10, 2.60) v. Jorge De La Rosa/LHP (12-8, 4.32)

Comments on Pitching Match-ups – Shields and Duffy will tackle the thin air of Denver during this series for the Royals. Colorado will give the ball to Matzek and KC alumni De La Rosa for these two games in the Mile High City. Juego G did open the first series between these teams with a win, he’s the lone pitcher of the four who started a game prior to games three and four between these teams.

Series Predictions – The Royals continue to take series and I don’t see why this won’t be different given the resurgent offense and thin air. PREDICTION: Royals take both games.

2014 Meeting:
The teams met on May 13 and 14 at Kauffman Stadium with Kansas City claiming 5-1 and 3-2 victories. As mentioned Shields got a win defeating Franklin Morales to open that series. Yordano Ventura defeated Jhoulys Chacin with Greg Holland earning a save as KC swept the Rox.

Franchise History:
These teams have only 20 all-time meetings with Kansas City leading Colorado 11-9 after winning two games three months ago. At Coors Field the Royals have a slight advantage of 7-5 but the boys in blue haven’t visited since 2011.

TV/Radio Coverage:
Fans can tune into FOX Sports Kansas City for both games with Ryan Lefebvre  and Rex Hudler on TV. Joel Goldberg hosts Royals Live with Josh Vernier reporting from the clubhouse. Royals Hall of Famer/2007 Ford C. Frick Award winner Denny Matthews is joined in the booth by Steve Physioc and Steve Stewart will be on the Royals Radio Network (610 Sports Radio in KC) describing the action from Coors Field.

AL Central Standings (August 19):
Kansas City Royals (69-55, – GB)
Detroit Tigers (66-56, 2 GB)
Cleveland Indians (62-61, 6.5 GB)
Chicago White Sox (59-66, 10.5 GB)
Minnesota Twins (55-68, 13.5 GB)

Series Schedule/Results v. Rockies (KC 2-0)
May 13-14, 2014 – Kauffman Stadium: W 5-1, W 3-2
August 19-20, 2014 – Coors Field

Game Notes:
Colorado Rockies
Kansas City Royals