KC Royals Series Preview: These Are Not the Same Old Cubs

It’s back to interleague play following a series in the Bronx that saw our boys in blue outscored 23-4 (19 runs that were scored via home runs). Things won’t get easier as Kansas City make their return to Wrigley Field against the Chicago Cubs.

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For those traveling to the windy city this weekend from all reports it seems that there will be a fair number of KC Royals fans making the trip. Here’s hoping that the current four game losing streak ends at this historic venue.

Probable Pitching Match-ups:
Friday, 3:05 pm – Edinson Volquez/RHP (4-3, 2.77) v. Jake Arrieta/RHP (4-4, 2.95)
Saturday, 6:15 pm – Yordano Ventura/RHP (3-4, 4.64) v. Jason Hammel/RHP (3-2, 2.98)
Sunday, 1:20 pm – Jeremy Guthrie/RHP (4-3, 6.70) v. Tsuyoshi Wada/LHP (0-0, 2.70)

Comments on Pitching Match-ups – Yes, of the six probable pitchers who are set to take the ball this weekend one KC Royals pitcher sticks out like a sore thumb. It’s incredible that four starters all have ERA’s sub-three with it being the dying days of May. Two of the three games look good on paper so who knows how that’ll equate to final scores.

Game 1: Volquez continues to shine as a key offseason acquisition by Dayton Moore despite what his record state. Arrieta who KC fans might remember from his days in Baltimore is .500 with a sub-three ERA and has pitched well for Chicago.
Game 2: Ventura had another rough outing last Sunday in losing to St. Louis, however he still went seven innings in defeat. Hammel is another journeymen who our fans might be familiar with, he’s had a nice season so far.
Game 3: Guthrie is the elephant in the room given that he surrendered 11 runs in one inning on Memorial Day. Wada has had his issues lately also going 5.1 and 4.2 innings, he’s yet to earn a decision this year after going 4-4 a year ago.

Series Predictions – The defending AL champions come to Chicago stumbling currently after losing the finale of the I-70 series and getting swept at New York. Last time Kansas City visited Chicago they were rumbling with the White Sox on the south side, this weekend they make a rare trip to the north side. The Cubs are oozing offensive talent with Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Addison Russell to name a few which could prove pesky. Can the Royals offense get production from spots other than Mike Moustakas, Eric Hosmer and Kendrys Morales? To note with the DH not being in play this weekend what will Ned Yost do? Prediction: Cubs win two of three

2011 Meeting:
Yes, it’s been since 2011 that these two played one another which saw Kansas City take two of three versus the Cubbies. Chicago took game one 6-4 with the Royals winning the next two 3-2 and 6-3, strange but true that second game Greg Holland got the win with Joakim Soria saving his first of two that series.

Franchise History:
All-time the Cubs hold an 10-8 advantage over the KC Royals which includes Chicago holding a 6-3 lead at Wrigley Field but KC does lead 5-4 at Kauffman Stadium. This is Kansas City’s first trip to the friendly confines since July 2001 and just third overall with series in 1997 and 1999.

TV/Radio Coverage:
FOX Sports Kansas City will broadcast Friday and Sunday’s games with Ryan Lefebvre and Rex Hudler on the call. Royals Live takes place 30 minutes prior to first pitch which is hosted by Joel Goldberg and Royals Hall of Famer Jeff Montgomery from left field, in addition to following the game.

FOX will have regional national coverage on Saturday night from the north side of Chicago. Len Kasper and C.J. Nitkowski will provide the call.

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

All-Time Series Schedule/Results v. Cubs (CHI 10-8)
June 30-July 2, 1997: Wrigley Field – L 8-7, L 6-1, L 3-2
June 26-28, 1998: Kauffman Stadium – W 6-3, W 4-3, L 6-3
July 18-20, 1999: Wrigley Field – W 5-4, W 10-2, L 8-7
July 16-18, 2000: Kauffman Stadium – L 10-7, L 3-1, W 12-4
July 15-17, 2001: Wrigley Field – L 2-1, W 4-2, L 7-4
June 24-26, 2011: Kauffman Stadium – L 6-4, W 3-2, W 6-3
May 29-31, 2015: Wrigley Field

Game Notes:
Chicago Cubs
Kansas City Royals

Next: Royals to get Alex Rios Back Saturday

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