Series Preview: Royals (4-4) at Twins (3-6)

After six games at Kauffman Stadium the Kansas City Royals (4-4) head north on I-29 to face the Minnesota Twins (3-6) for the first time this season. KC enters winning four of their last six while Minnesota just suffered a sweep against Oakland at Target Field.

The Royals head to Target Field where they took 8-of-10 meetings against the Twins last season, including the last seven. Photo Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Probable Pitching Match-ups:
Friday, 7:10 pm – Bruce Chen/LHP (0-0, 1.42) v. Kyle Gibson/RHP (1-0, 1.80)
Saturday, 1:10 pm – James Shields/RHP (0-1, 2.70) v. Ricky Nolasco/RHP (0-1, 9.00)
Sunday, 1:10 pm – Jason Vargas/LHP (1-0, 1.20) v. Kevin Correia/RHP (0-1, 6.17)

Comments on Pitching Match-ups – The Twins will trot out two pitchers with ERA’s above five with Gipson opening with the best record/earn run average the boys in blue will see this weekend. Chen coming off a no-decision against Chicago last Saturday will open the series, in his career he’s 4-6 against Minnesota. Shields, who continues to struggle in getting wins despite pitching like he could be 2-0 so far. Vargas has been a surprise I think to most fans with how he’s performed early with his new club will close the series.

2013 Meetings:
Kansas City won 15 of 19 meetings a season ago against the AL Central team that had plagued them for years. The Royals were 8-2 at Target Field winning their last seven meetings in the Twin Cities.

Franchise History:
Despite being plus 11 last season against Minnesota, KC still trails the all-time series 365-330. In Minneapolis they’re just 154-192 and in the 37 games played at Target Field are 17-20 since the park opened.

TV/Radio Coverage:
All three games can be seen on Fox Sports Kansas City with Ryan Lefebvre and Rex Hudler on the broadcast. Joel Goldberg will anchor the Royals Live before and after the game from Target Field. On the Royals Radio Network (610 Sports Radio in KC) will be Steve Physioc and Steve Stewart describing the action in the Twin Cities.

2014 Series Schedule/Results v. Twins
April 11-13, Target Field
April 18-20, Kauffman Stadium
June 30-July 2, Target Field
July 29-31, Kauffman Stadium
August 15-18, Target Field
August 26-28, Kauffman Stadium

Game Notes:
Minnesota Twins
Kansas City Royals