Series Preview: Kansas City Royals (23-23) at Los Angeles Angels (26-20)

The Kansas City Royals (23-23) head out to the West Coast for a brief three game road trip against the Los Angeles Angels  (26-20). Following a disappointing series against the Chicago White Sox, the Royals are looking to gain momentum as they enter a stretch of twenty games in twenty days.

Probably Pitching Match-ups:
Friday, 9:05 pm – Danny Duffy/LHP (2-3, 1.42) v. C.J. Wilson/LHP (5-3, 3.16)
Saturday, 6:15 pm – James Shields/RHP (6-3, 2.67) v. Matt Shoemaker/RHP (2-1, 3.06)
Sunday, 2:35 pm – Jason Vargas/LHP (4-2, 3.76) v. Garrett Richards/RHP 4-1, 2.90)

Comments on Pitching Match-ups – On paper, one would think that the Royals should have the advantage, at least on Saturday and Sunday. However, Richards has put together an excellent start to the season, striking out nearly a batter per inning and posting a 1.136 WHiP. While Shields and Vargas are the bigger names, the Royals are likely to find themselves in for a difficult series.

Series Predictions – While the Angels are still without Josh Hamilton, they still have a solid lineup, ranking third in home runs and in slugging. Albert Pujols is looking more like the Pujols from his St. Louis days, and Mike Trout is still Mike Trout. Add in tough pitching matchups, and the Royals may be hard pressed to win the series. Chances are, the Royals will take one of the three games, probably on Saturday.

2014 Meetings:
This is the Royals first meeting with the Angels this season.

Franchise History:
The Angels lead the overall series 280-270, yet the Royals are have a winning record on the road against the Angels at 144-135.

TV/Radio Coverage:
Fans can tune into FOX Sports Kansas City for the games on Friday and Sunday, with Saturday being televised on Fox.

AL Central Standings (May 23):

Detroit Tigers (27-16)

Minnesota Twins (23-21, 4.5 GB)

Kansas City Royals (23-23, 5.5 GB)

Chicago White Sox (24-25, 6 GB)

Cleveland Indians (23-25, 6.5 GB)

2014 Series Schedule/Results v. Angels
May 23-25, Angels Stadium of Anaheim
June 27-29, Kauffman Stadium