Royals at Indians – Series Preview

After a promising start to their series in the Bronx the Royals got only a split against the Yankees dropping the final two games. Kansas City ends the first half in Cleveland against the Indians at Progressive Field. KC is (43-46) 4.5 games behind the Indians (48-44) entering this series, the Royals are also 21-24 away from the K so this season.

The Royals will try to slowdown Jason Kipnis and the Indians at Progressive Field as the two teams close out the first half of the season. Photo Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Series Preview –

Since these two teams met seven days again Cleveland has gone 3-4 against Detroit (lost three of four) and Toronto (took two of three). Kansas City during the last meeting is 3-4 losing two of three to Oakland and splitting at New York. KC will look to finish the road trip strong after a 2-2 start before the All Star Break.

Probable Pitching Matchups –

Friday, July 12 (6:05 pm): Bruce Chen (3-0, 2.41) v. Cory Kluber (6-5, 4.23)
– After 20 starts out of the bullpen Chen makes his first start of 2013
– In 17 appearances against the Tribe he’s 6-3 with a 4.73 ERA which includes 10 starts
Saturday, July 13 (6:05 pm): Jeremy Guthrie (8-6, 4.12) v. Scott Kazmir (4-4, 4.74)
– Guthrie went 6.2 innings in his last start against the Yankees allowing one run in the 5-1 win
– Against Cleveland he’s 1-0 with a no-decision this season
Sunday, July 14 (12:05 pm): James Shields (4-6, 3.12) v. Ubaldo Jimenez (7-4, 4.37)
– He’s 2-0 in his last three starts with the no-decision coming July 4^th when KC rallied for the victory
– Both starts against the Indians James Shields hasn’t factored in the final decision

2013 Results –  

This has been an even series so far with the teams splitting the opening four game series at the K. Cleveland took the series in June between the two 2-1 but over the series seven days ago the Royals returned the favor winning two-of-three. The Indians enter this series with a home record of 27-19 which includes a 2-1 record against KC, the next six games between the two teams will be at Progressive Field. In the 10 meetings so far the teams are tied at five wins apiece with nine more games left in 2013.

TV/Radio –

Only Friday (6:05 pm) and Sunday (12:05 pm) games are on FSKC with Steve Physioc and Rex Hudler handling the TV side. 30 minutes before and immediately after Joel Goldberg and Royals Hall of Famer Jeff Montgomery host Royals Live. All three games can her heard on 610 Sports Radio with Steve Stewart and Bob Davis who’s sitting in for Ryan Lefebvre.

2013 Schedule/Results v. Indians – Series Tied 5-5

April 26-29, Kauffman Stadium – Game one PPD, KC won 3-2 and 9-0, CLE wins 10-3 and 9-0
June 17-19, Progressive Field – Royals take the opener 2-1 with the Indians winning the next two 4-3, 6-3
July 2-4, Kauffman Stadium – Cleveland takes game one 6-5 with the Kansas City winning 6-5 and 10-7
July 12-14, Progressive Field –
September 9-11, Progressive Field –
September 16-18, Kauffman Stadium –

Game Notes –

Kansas City
Cleveland