KC Royals Series Preview: Royals (20-11) at Rangers (13-18)

Onto the second leg of this seven game road swing that takes Kansas City to Arlington against the Texas Rangers. KC took two of three against Detroit to take over the AL Central lead which is currently a game and a half.

The Royals and Rangers tangle for four games in the Lone Star State beginning tonight with three night games with a day game to conclude this series.

More from KC Royals News

Probable Pitching Match-ups:
Monday, 7:05 pm – Danny Duffy/LHP (2-1, 4.55) v. Colby Lewis/RHP (2-2, 2.61)
Tuesday, 7:05 pm – Edinson Volquez/RHP (2-3, 2.65) v. Nick Martinez/RHP (2-0, 1.47)
Wednesday, 7:05 pm – Yordano Ventura/RHP (2-2, 5.13) v. Yovani Gallardo/RHP (2-5, 4.19)
Thursday, 1:05 pm – Jeremy Guthrie/RHP (2-2, 5.70) v. Ross Detwiler/LHP (0-4, 7.22)

Comments on Pitching Match-ups – All things considered the Royals starting pitching going six, seven 2/3 and six innings was really needed this past weekend. This next series will take place at the AL version of Coors Field, however it being May instead of the summer months. There are a lot of new names pitching for Texas which KC will face.

Game 1: Duffy returns following his one plus inning start versus Cleveland last week which hopefully goes much better. Lewis doesn’t have the record to match what is a pretty respectable ERA he’s posted early on.
Game 2: Volquez also had his last start cut short which in part was related to a blister issue on his pitching hand, from all reports it’s been dealt with and he should be good to go. Martinez has been a nice surprise for Rangers fans with how he’s started however he did struggle in St. Pete this weekend.
Game 3: Ventura surrendered four runs at Detroit but did wind up getting a no-decision thanks in large part to the Royals offense bailing him out. Gallardo has become Texas number one due to injuries in their rotation and his record hasn’t been what fans hoped for after coming over from Milwaukee.
Game 4: KC Royals fans had to be giddy with Guthrie shutting down the high powered Tigers on Saturday holding them to two runs over 7 2/3 innings. Detwiler is winless while sporting a 7.22 ERA and might be on his last legs in their rotation depending on this start.

Series Predictions – This could either be a letdown following Kansas City’s AL Central tilt at Detroit this past weekend or we’ll continue to see this team’s growth. Playing at Texas isn’t easy given that their ballpark can play like a launching pad, but as stated being cool in May instead of it being July or August helps. These Rangers have been hit by the injury bug over the past couple seasons harder than most teams. It should be a great opportunity to end this road trip with a winning record. I feel that this should be a productive series. Prediction: Royals win three of four in Arlington

2014 Meetings:
A season ago the Royals won five of six against the Rangers, sweeping Texas at the K while winning two of three in North Texas.

Franchise History:
Kansas City leads the all-time series between these teams 251-243, however they’re just 110-132 in games played in Arlington.

TV/Radio Coverage:
FOX Sports Kansas City will broadcast Friday’s game with Steve Physioc and Rex Hudler on the call. Royals Live is with Joel Goldberg and Royals Hall of Famer Jeff Montgomery from the field takes place prior to the game and after.

The Royals Radio Network (610 Sports in Kansas City) has Ryan Lefebvre and Steve Stewart describing all the action from the K.

2015 Series Schedule/Results v. Rangers
May 11-14: Globe Life Park
June 5-7: Kauffman Stadium

Game Notes:
Texas Rangers
Kansas City Royals

Next: Royals Week Five Review: Who's Hot, Who's Not

Home/KC Royals News