KC Royals Look to Shake Off Malaise Against Orioles

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Our KC Royals couldn’t deliver that knockout blow against Minnesota this past week, however they still are in control of bring home that division title. Tonigh,t the Royals head east to Baltimore, facing for a weekend series that’ll have two games on national TV.

The O’s are currently on the outside looking in of the playoff race due to recent struggles; however, that’s not what Kansas City will be looking at this series.

Probable Pitching Match-Ups:

Friday, 7:10 pm – Danny Duffy/LHP (7-7, 4.17) v. Mike Wright/RHP (2-4, 5.19)
Saturday, 12:05 pm – Yordano Ventura/RHP (10-8, 4.34) v. Chris Tillman/RHP (9-11, 5.15)
Sunday, 7:08 pm – Johnny Cueto/RHP (9-11, 3.24 w/ CIN & KC) v. TBA

Comments on Pitching Match-Ups – This isn’t a glamorous weekend of pitching match-ups given how high ERA’s for each starting pitcher. Let’s look at the starting pitchers for these three games.

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Game 1: Duffy will look to right the ship for the team who have dropped four of their last five games. Wright is a newcomer making his eight start this season.
Game 2: Ventura struggled in his last start versus the Twins which was his worst start in some time. Tillman has struggled this season which shows in his record plus ERA.
Game 3: Cueto has gone four starts with less than desirable results which hopefully get right. It’s not known who gets the ball for Baltimore on Sunday Night.

Series Prediction – Last time Kansas City was at Camden Yards they were flying home with a 2-0 advantage in the ALCS. Baltimore has struggled this season while KC has only taken off following their surprising postseason. The Royals can taste another postseason berth while the O’s seem to be playing out the stretch. Despite winning last season at this stadium, I think the struggles continue one more series before KC gets right. Prediction: Orioles take two of three

2015 Meetings:
As Royals fans we remember sweeping away the Orioles to reach the World Series last fall. Recently results have been positive versus the O’s which showed where the boys in blue have dominated this match-up. KC took three of four last month at the K winning 8-3, 3-2, 5-3 with a 8-5 loss mixed in.

Franchise History:
Baltimore leads the all-time series 261-205 including being 131-90 in the Charm City, at Oriole Park/Camden Yards 59-36 advantage for the birds

TV/Radio Coverage:
Friday is the lone game on Fox Sports Kansas City which will have Ryan Lefebvre and Rex Hudler on the call. Joel Goldberg and Royals Hall of Famer Jeff Mongomery host Royals Live before and after.

Saturday will be the first of two nationally broadcasted games with FOX carrying the action with Gary Thorne, Preston Wilson and Ken Rosenthal.

Sunday Night Baseball will be from the inner harbor with Dan Shulman, John Kruk, Jessica Mendoza and Buster Olney

On the Royals Radio Network (610 Sports in KC) will be Steve Physioc and Steve Stewart from downtown Baltimore.

2015 Series Schedule/Results v. Orioles (KC 3-1):
August 24-26, Kauffman Stadium – W 8-3, W 3-2, L 8-5, W 5-3
September 11-13, Oriole Park at Camden Yards

Game Notes:
Baltimore Orioles
Kansas City Royals

Next: Royals Biggest Disappointments in 2015