Series Preview – Red Sox (70-46) at Royals (58-53)

Tonight the streaking Royals welcome the Red Sox to Kauffman Stadium after winning their sixth straight series against the Twins. Overall Kansas City is 15-4 since the All-Star Break and 13-2 in the past 15 games.

Billy Butler and Eric Hosmer look to continue the Royals winning ways this weekend, as they host the Red Sox this weekend at Kauffman Stadium. Photo Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Series Preview –

Boston is on a modest two game winning two-of-three in Houston and are 4-2 in their previous six games. The Red Sox are just 31-25 on the road compared to 39-21 at Fenway Park. As mentioned Kansas City has been trying to make up ground in the AL Central and Wildcard standings but aren’t getting cooperation from other teams.

Franchise Series History –

Tonight is the 441^st meeting between these two franchises who are amazingly tied at 220-220 against one another. However, KC holds a 120-97 record in Kansas City against Boston which includes a mark of 106-87 at Kauffman Stadium.

Probable Pitching Matchups –

Thursday, August 8 (7:10 pm/FSKC &610 Sports): Jon Lester (10-6, 4.52) v. Bruce Chen (4-0, 2.03)
– Tonight is Bruce’s 208^th career start and fifth of 2013, this is his 20^th start against Boston
– In four previous starts he’s earned “quality” starts with the last coming Saturday against the Mets

Friday, August 9 (7:10 pm/FSKC &610 Sports): Jake Peavy (9-4, 4.14) v. Ervin Santana (8-6, 2.97)
– The Magic Man is 21-9 in his career in the month of August
– Against the Red Sox he’s 4-3 in 12 starts and 4-3 at the K with a 2.71 ERA in 11 home outings

Saturday, August 10 (6:10 pm/FSKC & 610 Sports): Felix Doubront (8-5, 3.56) v. Jeremy Guthrie (12-7, 3.96)
– Guthrie defeated Boston 5-4 on April 21, going six innings allowing four runs and scattering nine hits
– Since losing 5-3 at Cleveland on July 13, he’s gone 4-0 with wins over Detroit, Baltimore and twice against Minnesota

Sunday, August 11 (1:10 pm/FSKC & 610 Sports): John Lackey (7-9, 3.21) v. James Shields (6-8, 3.36)
– Shields is looking to bounce back from his worst start of the season Tuesday night against Minnesota which he allowed seven runs in six innings
– Against Boston he didn’t figure in the Royals 4-3 loss 4-3 at Fenway Park on April 20, his career mark against the Red Sox is 8-13 with an 4.44 ERA

2013 Results –                               

The only meeting between these teams was April 19-21 and resulted in the schedule being tweaked due to the Boston Marathon Tragedy. Boston took game one 4-3 which Kelvin Herrera took the loss as he gave up two runs in a third of a inning of work. Kansas City swept the Sunday doubleheader winning 4-2 and 5-4 in 10 innings which Greg Holland collect two saves in one day.

TV/Radio –

Fox Sports Kansas City brings you all four games between the teams, Steve Physioc and Rex Hudler on the broadcast. Joel Goldberg and Royals Hall of Famer Jeff Montgomery host Royals Live before and after the game. As always every game can be heard on the Royals Radio Network (610 Sports Radio) Royals Hall of Famer/2007 Ford C. Frick Award winner Denny Matthews being joined in the booth by Ryan Lefebvre and Steve Stewart.

2013 Schedule v. Red Sox – KC 2-1

April 19-21, Fenway Park – Royals took the series sweeping the Sunday doubleheader after Boston won game one
August 8-11, Kauffman Stadium  

Current AL Central and Wildcard Standings for August 8 –

GB = Games Back

AL Central: Detroit (67-45), Cleveland (62-52/6 GB), Kansas City (58-53/8.5 GB), Minnesota (49-62/17.5 GB), Chicago (43-69/24 GB)

Wildcard Standings (Top 2 make playoffs): Rays (66-47/+2), A’s (64-49/-) & Rangers (65-50/-),Orioles (63-51/1.5 GB), Indians (62-52/2.5 GB), Royals (58-53/5 GB), Yankees (57-56/7 GB), Mariners (53-61/11.5 GB), Blue Jays (53-61/11.5 GB), Angels (51-62/13 GB), Twins (49-62/14 GB), White Sox (43-69/20.5 GB), Astros (37-76/27 GB)

Game Notes –

Boston
Kansas City