KC Royals Look to Get One Step Closer to AL Central Title

No matter how big a KC Royals fan you are, it must be strange seeing your team in first place and five-time defending division champions in last place. That is the case as the Royals face the Detroit Tigers on the last leg on this 10 game road trip that has seen Kansas City go 3-4.

Detroit has had a rough 2015 season, which is evident by them being eliminated this week from postseason play.

Probable Pitching Match-Ups:
Friday, 7:08 pm – Johnny Cueto/RHP (9-12, 3.47 w/ CIN & KC) v. Justin Verlander/RHP (3-8, 3.58)
Saturday, 6:08 pm – Edinson Volquez/RHP (13-8, 3.59) v. Matt Boyd/LHP (1-5, 8.02)
Sunday, 12:08 pm – Kris Medlen/RHP (4-1, 3.92) v. Alfredo Simon/RHP (13-9, 4.91)

Comments on Pitching Match-Ups – On paper, this looks pretty unpredictable given the six names who are probable to start. Each starter has a flaw in their game which makes this series interesting from that standpoint.

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Game 1: Which Cueto shows up in Motown this weekend? His last five starts have caused plenty of fan angst which could be helped with a decent start. Verlander has been front and center of the Tigers struggles this season, which is evident by his record and inflated ERA.
Game 2: Volquez has been steady for the team all season long even with his struggles recently, as he’s been the most reliable starter the Royals have had. Boyd has struggled since coming over in the David Price trade, however, his lone win did come against the KC Royals despite being hit hard.
Game 3: Medlen’s start in Cleveland on Tuesday was real encouraging in his case to make the postseason rotation. Simon has been the “steady” Eddy of Detroit’s staff with how consistent he’s been.

Series Prediction – Omar Infante’s production last night actually dwarfs what Miguel Cabrera has done recently, which shows how poor he’s been. This series is important given that the Royals are six games from clinching their first division title in 30 years, but also getting into a grove before postseason play begins. Home field advantage is still on the line, but I think that can be debated about how important it is given last season and it wouldn’t kick in until the ALCS. They’ll be home before you know it however, and ending this trip above .500 couldn’t hurt this fan base. Prediction: Royals take two of three

2015 Meetings:
These two just saw one another on the Royals last home stand which saw KC win two of three by the combined score of 32-14 and 27-8 after an opening 6-5 defeat. They’ve not seen one another since last month in Detroit which the Tigers won two of three. Kansas City holds a 9-7 series lead this season over the AL Central bullies of the past.

Franchise History:
All-time Detroit is 322-320 versus their division foe which includes a record of 169-152 in the Motor City and 77-65 at Comerica Park.

TV/Radio Coverage:
Friday and Sunday’s games can be found on FSKC with Ryan Lefebvre and Rex Hudler bringing you the action. Joel Goldberg and Royals Hall of Famer Jeff Montgomery have Royals Live before and after each game of this series.

Saturday night these two will be on FOX Sports 1 with Aaron Goldsmith and Tom Verducci broadcasting for a national audience.

Over on the Royals Radio Network (610 Sports in KC) will be the “Steve’s” with Phys and Stewart bringing you the call.

2015 Series Schedule/Results v. Tigers (KC 9-7):
April 30-May 3: Kauffman Stadium – W 8-1, W 4-1, L 2-1, L 6-4
May 8-10: Comerica Park – L 6-5, W 6-2, W 2-1 (10 inn)
August 4-6: Comerica Park – W 5-1, L 2-1, L 8-6
August 10-12: Kauffman Stadium – W 4-0, W 6-1, L 7-4
September 1-3: Kauffman Stadium – L 6-5, W 12-1, W 15-7
September 18-20: Comerica Park

Game Notes:
Detroit Tigers
Kansas City Royals

Next: Royals Postseason Fourth Starter Candidates

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