KC Royals Look to Get Back on Track Against Milwaukee Brewers

Both of the road interleague series that the KC Royals have played this season at Chicago and St. Louis have resulted with rain making them two game series. This won’t be an issue since Milwaukee plays at a retractable roof stadium, before this four game two city series shift to KC.

It’s been a rough season for the Milwaukee Brewers and Ryan Braun who will host KC Monday and Tuesday before this series moves to the K Wednesday and Thursday. Photo Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

The Brewers currently are managed by former MLB’r Craig Counsell and have the second worst record this season, behind Philadelphia. This should be an opportunity for the Royals to get well before returning home midweek.

Probable Pitching Match-ups:
Monday, 7:10 pm: Edinson Volquez/RHP (5-4, 3.07) v. Kyle Lohse/RHP (3-7, 6.27)
Tuesday, 7:10 pm: TBA v. Matt Garza/RHP (4-7, 4.92)
Wednesday, 7:10 pm: Mike Fiers/RHP (3-6, 4.04) v. Yordano Ventura/RHP (3-6, 4.68)
Thursday, 7:10 pm: Jimmy Nelson/RHP (3-7, 4.60) v. Jeremy Guthrie/RHP (4-4, 5.79)

Comments on Pitching Match-ups – As mentioned, this isn’t your normal four-game series as it’ll be played in two cities. One consistent that both teams will send pitchers to the mound with high ERA’s and records below .500.

Game 1: Volquez will open things up after a good start at Minnesota last week, he’s no stranger to Miller Park after his time in Pittsburg. Lohse has been front and center amidst Milwaukee’s struggles this season with a high earned run average and 3-7 record.
Game 2: It’s unknown who Ned Yost will turn to make this start Tuesday in what’s been Jason Vargas spot, one option might be Chris Young who was scheduled on Sunday at St. Louis. Garza, who fans remember from his days with Tampa, will get the ball.
Game 3: Fiers will hopefully oppose Ventura on Wednesday night when this series shifts to Missouri, he’s got 4.04 ERA and is 3-6. As mentioned, Yordano may or may not be starting depending on how his bullpen session goes since it was learned he’s got fluid in his elbow.
Game 4: Milwaukee’s fourth starter is like the previous three in that Nelson has an ERA of four or higher. Guthrie didn’t have a bad outing in St. Louis, but wasn’t helped by his offense.

Series Predictions – Kansas City will face two teams that are in currently sit in last place in their divisions as we start this week. It should be an opportunity to hopefully increase the division lead over Minnesota and Detroit. Ryan Braun has regained his power which had been missing and will be a tough out this week. Alcides Escobar faces his former club as will Lorenzo Cain which hopefully gets both players going for our KC Royals. Prediction: Royals take three of four

2012 Meeting:
This series marked the return of Zack Greinke to Kauffman Stadium which was a three game sweep for the boys in blue. All three games were decided by one run with the scores being 2-1, 4-3 (11-innings), 4-3 with Greg Holland plus Tim Collins getting wins.

Franchise History:
These teams go way back as expansion cousins when the Brewers started as the Seattle Pilots in 1969, which KC went 10-8 against. Overall Kansas City is 209-172 (199-164 since relocation to Wisconsin) which includes being 3-3 at Miller Park (2001 and 2007 series there), at Municipal (20-13)/Royals/Kauffman Stadium (96-66) the Royals are 116-79.

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

FOX Sports 1 will have Thursday’s game on their network which will be a chance for fans to see all the Royals who’ll be playing in Cincinnati next month.

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 Ryan Lefebvre and Steve Stewart describing all the action from the K.

2015 Series Schedule/Results v. Brewers
June 15-16: Miller Park
June 17-18: Kauffman Stadium

Game Notes:
Milwaukee Brewers
Kansas City Royals

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