Series Preview: Royals (9-8) at Indians (8-10)

Kansas City (9-8) heads back out on the road after a brief three game series at the K against Minnesota which did result in a 2-1 record, they state with four games versus Cleveland (8-10). The Royals continue this trip with three at Baltimore Friday-Sunday.

Jeremy Guthrie will face one of his former teams Cleveland as the Royals being their seven game road trip this week. Photo Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Probably Pitching Match-ups:
Monday, 6:05 pm – Jeremy Guthrie/RHP (2-0, 4.34) v. Zach McAllister/RHP (2-0, 2.04)
Tuesday, 6:05 pm – James Shields/RHP (1-2, 2.00) v. Danny Salazar/RHP (0-2, 7.71)
Wednesday, 6:05 pm – Jason Vargas/LHP (2-0, 1.24) v. Justin Masterson/RHP (0-0, 4.98)
Thursday, 11:05 am – Bruce Chen/LHP (1-1, 6.60) v. Corey Kluber/RHP (1-2, 5.40)

Comments on Pitching Match-ups – It might be the first series between these AL Central foes, but given how KC had a losing record last season against Cleveland these are important games. The Royals will have their top three pitchers in terms of the rotation going this series while the Tribe will counter with the same. On paper it appears Kansas City has the upper hand but has struggled on the shores of Lake Erie over the previous seasons.

2013 Meetings:
In 19 meetings a season ago the Royals went 10-9 against the Indians who finished ahead of them in the standings and claiming a “wildcard” spot. KC went 3-6 at Progressive Field in nine games and continues to struggle at the “Pro” since it opened posting a 65-95 record.

Franchise History:
Additionally the boys in blue have struggled in Cleveland going 138-169 when traveling to northern Ohio. The Tribe also holds a 313-297 advantage between teams.

TV/Radio Coverage:
Fans can tune into FOX Sports Kansas City for the first three games with Steve Physioc and Rex Hudler on TV, Wednesday will not be broadcasted by FSKC. Ryan Lefebvre and Steve Stewart will be on the Royals Radio Network (610 Sports Radio in KC) describing everything from Progressive Field.

AL Central Standings (April 18):
Detroit Tigers (9-6)
Kansas City Royals (9-8, 1 GB)
Minnesota Twins (9-9, 1.5 GB)
Chicago White Sox (9-10, 2 GB)
Cleveland Indians (8-10, 2.5 GB)

2014 Series Schedule/Results v. Indians
April 21-24, Progressive Field
June 10-11, Kauffman Stadium
July 4-6, Progressive Field
July 24-27, Kauffman Stadium
August 29-31, Kauffman Stadium
September 22-24, Progressive Field

Game Notes:
Cleveland Indians
Kansas City Royals

Tickets:
Indians tickets