KC Royals To Take On Desperate Tampa Bay Rays Team

It’s time for the annual visit to the Thunderdome in St. Pete against Tampa Bay. In the month of August, your KC Royals are 15-5 in their last 20 and wrapped up a quick homestand going 3-1. They’re playing at an interesting facility that has given our boys in blue trouble in the past.

The Rays are hanging on by a thread in the wildcard chase, as they are 2.5 games behind Texas for the second spot.

Probable Pitching Match-Ups:
Friday, 6:10 pm – Edinson Volquez/RHP (11-7, 3.40) v. Erasmo Ramirez/RHP (10-4, 3.66)
Saturday, 5:10 pm – Kris Medlen/RHP (2-0, 3.10) v. Jake Odorizzi/RHP (6-6, 3.02)
Sunday, 12:10 pm – Danny Duffy/LHP (7-6, 4.13) v. Nathan Karns/RHP (7-5, 3.69)

Comments on Pitching Match-Ups – On paper this seems to favor our Royals; however, this stadium likely favors the home team. Personally, I like the match-ups between these two, which should make for a fun series.

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Game 1: Volquez is coming off a no-decision against Boston at Fenway Park which KC came back and won. Ramirez has been a nice addition for TB after being acquired from Seattle, getting 10 wins.
Game 2: Medlen initially struggled in his start on Monday allowing some early runs, but bounced back to go six innings. Odorizzi, the ex-Royal farmhand, has performed better than his record would indicate, as his record is .500 with an ERA just over three.
Game 3: Duffy continues to be up and down, but did give his team a chance in his last start, which is encouraging. Karns got roughed up when these two met in July, but like his two teammates, has been consistent.

Series Prediction – Kansas City wrapped up the season series by sweeping Tampa Bay last time out, the Royals will try to get closer in the all-time series. This will be a homecoming for Miami native Eric Hosmer, who hopefully continues to rake. Kendrys Morales, being from Cuba, will also likely see some familiar faces. Can Evan Longoria, Kevin Kiermaier and Logan Forsythe continue to somehow keep the Rays afloat? Prediction: Royals win two of three

2015 Meetings:
The Royals won 9-5, 7-1, 9-7 and 8-3, with the first two games being a doubleheader highlighted by a Paulo Orlando walkoff. Greg Holland blew a save, as did Brad Boxberger who took the defeat, Brandon Finnegan won game two. Jeremy Guthrie outdueled Chris Archer game three and Yordano Ventura beat Karns in the finale.

Franchise History:
Tampa Bay actually leads the all-time series 70-66 between these teams, however, at Tropicana Field, it’s been all Rays who are 43-28. KC went 2-1 last season here and have won six of the last nine under the catwalk.

TV/Radio Coverage:
FOX Sports Kansas City will broadcast this three game series with Ryan Lefebvre and Rex Hudler on the call. Royals Live can be seen on FSKC before and after with host Joel Goldberg and Royals Hall of Famer Jeff Montgomery from the 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’ll be joined by Steve Physioc and Steve Stewart describing all the action from the Trop.

2015 Series Schedule/Results v. Rays (KC 4-0):
July 6-9, Kauffman Stadium – W 9-5, W 7-1, W 9-7, W 8-3
August 28-30, Tropicana Field

Game Notes:
Tampa Bay Rays
Kansas City Royals

Next: Royals Seeing Yordano Ventura Develop into an Ace

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