Series Preview: Royals (44-40) v. Indians (41-43)

All things considered taking two-of-three in Minneapolis against the Twins, isn’t bad after the middle game. Next up on this nine-game road trip are the Cleveland Indians (41-43) and Progressive Field for a three-game series this holiday weekend.

Jun 19, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians designated hitter Nick Swisher (right) celebrates after hitting a game-winning grand slam in the tenth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

The Tribe are just behind the Royals (44-40) in the standings so the importance is fairly large, trying to keep distance between them while remaining close to Detroit.

Probably Pitching Match-ups:
Friday, 6:05 pm – Yordano Ventura/RHP (5-7, 3.26) v. Josh Tomlin/RHP (5-5, 3.78)
Saturday, 6:05 pm – Jeremy Guthrie/RHP (5-6, 3.69) v. T.J. House/LHP (0-2, 4.54)
Sunday, 12:05 pm – Danny Duffy/LHP (5-7, 2.60) v. Corey Kluber/RHP (7-6, 2.99)

Comments on Pitching Match-ups – Once again for KC will have the arms advantage in my opinion heading into this important series. Ventura, Guthrie and Duffy will give Kansas City an opportunity to win this series. On the other side Cleveland is throwing Tomlin, House and Kluber, who has had success against the boys in blue.

Series Predictions – Last time these franchises played was at the K which was a two-game sweep by the Royals. Jacobs, now Progressive Field has been a house of horrors since it opened during the mid-90’s. There’s no reason a series win cannot be achieved, I’m just worried about previous bad luck on the lakefront. Prediction: Despite what I just said I think that two-out-three by the Royals will occur

2014 Meetings:
This is the second time meeting in Cleveland during the 2014 campaign, which the Tribe took three-of-four in April. Last time out a month ago at Kauffman Stadium it was the Royals winning 9-5 and 4-1 with Jason Vargas and Ventura picking up victories.

Franchise History:
Cleveland holds a 316-300 advantage all-time between these two AL Central foes. This includes a record of 172-139 on the shores of Lake Erie with a 98-66 mark at Progressive Field.

TV/Radio Coverage:
All three games can be seen on FOX Sports Kansas City with Steve Physioc and Rex Hudler handing the TV broadcast. Joel Goldberg will have Royals Live before and after the games this weekend at Progressive Field. On the Royals Radio Network (610 Sports Radio in KC) will be Ryan Lefebvre and Steve Stewart have the call from Cleveland.

AL Central Standings (July 4):
Detroit Tigers (48-34, – GB)
Kansas City Royals (44-40, GB 5)
Cleveland Indians (41-43, GB 8)
Chicago White Sox (40-46, GB 10)
Minnesota Twins (38-46, GB 11)

2014 Series Schedule/Results v. Indians (Series Tied 3-3)
April 21-24, Progressive Field – L 4-3, W 8-2, L 5-3, L 5-1
June 10-11, Kauffman Stadium – W 9-5, W 4-1
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