KC Royals Series Preview: Athletics (5-5) at KC Royals (7-2)

While a 4-2 road trip is good by and large, it comes with the KC Royals losing two of three against Minnesota. Tonight our boys in blue return home to kick off a home stand against Oakland, who are making their first trip back to Kauffman Stadium since the Wildcard Game.

This is the last image the Oakland A’s have of being at Kauffman Stadium when Salvador Perez’s walkoff single sent KC to the ALDS. Photo Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

In addition, Billy Butler will be awarded his AL Championship ring on Friday night and Alex Gordon, Eric Hosmer and Salvador Perez will get their 2014 Gold Gloves.

Probable Pitching Match-ups:
Friday, 7:10 pm – Sonny Gray/RHP (1-0, 0.59 ERA) v. Jeremy Guthrie/RHP (1-0, 5.14)
Saturday, 6:10 pm – Jesse Hahn/RHP (0-1, 3.09) v. Yordano Ventura/RHP (2-0, 2.31)
Sunday, 1:10 pm – Scott Kazmir/LHP (2-0, 0.69) v. Danny Duffy/LHP (1-0, 6.35)

Comments on Pitching Match-ups –
Game 1: Gray has been sensational to begin 2015 as he’s 1-0 with a 0.59 ERA so far this season. Guthrie earned his first win in Anaheim besting the Halos 6-4.
Game 2: Hahn is winless so far but he’s got a respectable ERA despite being 0-1 early this season. Ventura has been impressive so far but has left both starts due to cramps, last time we saw him he was starting down Mike Trout.
Game 3: This battle of lefties is how the series ends with pesky Kazmir and his 2-0 mark plus 0.69 ERA going against Duffy who did defeat the Twins on Monday afternoon.

Series Predictions – The schedule makers sure made sure to load the first two weeks with games against teams Kansas City defeated on their way to the World Series. The A’s probably won’t have revenge on their minds with all roster changes that they went through. Due to the pitching, I give Oakland a great chance to take this series. Prediction: Athletics take two of three

2014 Meetings:
Kansas City was 5-2 against Oakland during the regular season a season ago, which included their 12-inning walkoff win in the Wildcard game.

Franchise History:
All-time the Athletics hold a 307-254 advantage, however the KC Royals own a 143-138 advantage in the city of fountains, which includes a 127-118 mark at the K.

TV/Radio Coverage:
FOX Sports Kansas City will broadcast all three games with Ryan Lefebvre and Rex Hudler on the call. Royals Live can be seen on FSKC prior to both games with host Joel Goldberg and Royals Hall of Famer Jeff Montgomery from left field.

The Royals Radio Network (610 Sports in Kansas City) will have Royals Hall of Famer/2007 Ford C. Frick Award winner Denny Matthews who’s joined in the booth Steve Physioc and Steve Stewart describing all the action.

2015 Series Schedule/Results v. Athletics
April 17-19, Kauffman Stadium
June 26-28, O.co Coliseum

Game Notes:
Oakland Athletics
Kansas City Royals

Next: Kansas City Royals Prospects: Who's Hot, Who's Not