KC Royals Set for Long Awaited Rematch with Oakland A’s

We all know the national story lines this three game series will attract given how the series went back at Kauffman Stadium in April. Since these teams last met our KC Royals have been 34-26 while Oakland has gone 29-36; however, KC is 7-3 in their last 10 with the A’s 8-2 in that same stretch.

It’s Royals and A’s round two this weekend at O.co Coliseum. In all seriousness, hopefully the focus is on baseball and not about brawling. Photo Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports. A

Will we see the same actions that were followed with suspensions plus bad blood at O.co this weekend? I hope not/don’t think so, given that you know the league office will be watching like vultures. That said, it’ll be interesting if one team is hit by a pitch.

Probable Pitching Match-ups:
Friday, 9:05 pm – Edinson Volquez/RHP (7-4, 3.33) v. Jesse Hahn/RHP (5-5, 3.40)
Saturday, 3:07 pm – Chris Young/RHP (6-3, 2.83) v. Scott Kazmir/LHP (4-4, 2.70)
Sunday, 3:07 pm – Jeremy Guthrie/RHP (5-5, 5.90) v. Jesse Chavez/RHP (4-6, 2.90)

Comments on Pitching Match-ups – These teams match-up fairly well in terms of the pitching match-ups in my opinion. Given how big the stadium plays I think that’ll help out all three pitchers Kansas City will throw this weekend. Oakland won’t throw a pitcher with a winning record despite all three having good ERA’s.
Game 1: Volquez and Hahn is a nice opening duel that will likely result in neither getting a decision and both bullpens being involved. Aside from wins and losses these two are pretty similar in what they try to do and this being an evening game it’s tough to favor one over the other.
Game 2: When we last saw Oakland, Kazmir started and might’ve lit the fire that burned in game three between these two by plunking Lorenzo Cain. Young throwing against the A’s is nothing new with him coming over from Seattle, but this should be a good place for him to pitch.
Game 3: Guthrie is coming off a rough outing against the M’s which was the only Royal defeat at Safeco Field. Chavez is crafty and will likely pose problems for our boys in blue the first couple times through the line-up.

Series Predictions – The A’s and Brett Lawrie might look at this series as revenge, which hopefully doesn’t filter down to KC. Kansas City should be focused on trying to win and extend their division lead, that be how best to respond instead of throwing at one another. While Oakland has won eight of their last 10 games I still think our guys are better and will get the better end. Prediction: Royals take two of three

2015 Meetings:
In April, Kansas City won 6-4 and 4-2 while dropping game two 5-0 with the benches clearing all three games. Wade Davis and Franklin Morales earned decisions with Greg Holland picking up saves, Yordano Ventura who’ll make a rehab start in Omaha tonight took the lone defeat.

Franchise History:
All-time the Athletics lead 308-256, KC also trails in games played at the Coliseum 169-111.

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 with host Joel Goldberg from the field .

The Royals Radio Network (610 Sports in Kansas City) will have Steve Physioc and Steve Stewart describing all the action from the north bay.

2015 Series Schedule/Results v. Athletics (KC 2-1)
April 17-19, Kauffman Stadium – W 6-4, L 5-0, W 4-2
June 26-28, O.co Coliseum

Game Notes:
Oakland Athletics
Kansas City Royals

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