Series Preview: Royals (48-46) at Red Sox (43-52)

It’s time to begin the second half of the MLB season which will start with a trip out east to Boston. Can Kansas City make another second half run like they did a season ago with the hopes of ending their playoff drought?

The Royals make their lone visit to historic Fenway Park this weekend to face the defending champion Red Sox. Photo Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Probably Pitching Match-ups:
Friday, 6:10 pm – James Shields/RHP (9-5, 3.65) v. Clay Buchholz/RHP (4-5, 5.42)
Saturday, 6:10 pm – Danny Duffy/LHP (5-9, 2.76) v. Rubby De La Rosa/RHP (2-2, 2.89)
Sunday, 12:35 pm – Yordano Ventura/RHP (7-7, 3.22) v. Jon Lester/LHP (9-7, 2.65)

Comments on Pitching Match-ups – Post All-Star Game break KC will throw Shields, Duffy and Ventura at historic Fenway Park this weekend. On the other side they’ll see Buckholz, De La Rosa and Lester who present a formable challenge. Friday and Sunday are good looking match-ups while Saturday the Red Sox throw 25-year old De La Rosa who is making his seventh start this season after making 11 in 2013 with Boston. To be frank I’m looking at this series finale match-up of Yordano and Lester as must see TV for baseball fans from both sides.    

Series Predictions – In their only trip to these hallowed grounds this trip won’t have an emotionally charged opponent like a season ago. Boston who was coming off the marathon tragedy are just the defending champions trying to get their footing after a tough first half. That said Fenway has been a trouble spot for the boys in blue over the years it seems. Prediction: Royals taking two of three

2014 Meetings:
As mentioned it was a series played with heavy hearts last year but Kansas City managed to take two of three games.

Franchise History:
The Royals hold an all-time series lead of 223-221 over the Red Sox, however they trail 123-100 at Fenway Park.

TV/Radio Coverage:
Fans can tune into FOX Sports Kansas City for all three games with Ryan Lefebvre and Rex Hudler providing the call on TV. Joel Goldberg will be joined by former Royal Jeff Montgomery on Royals Live before and after the game. Royals Hall of Famer/2007 Ford C. Frick Award winner Denny Matthews is joined in the booth by Steve Physioc and Steve Stewart on the Royals Radio Network (610 Sports Radio in KC) describing the action.

AL Central Standings (July 18):
Detroit Tigers (53-38)
Kansas City Royals (48-46, 6.5 GB)
Cleveland Indians (47-47, 7.5 GB)
Chicago White Sox (45-51, 10.5 GB)
Minnesota Twins (44-50, 10.5 GB)

AL Wildcard Standings (July 18):
Los Angeles Angels (57-37, +6.5 GMS)
Seattle Mariners (51-44, -)
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Royals (48-46, 2.5 GB)
Toronto Blue Jays (49-47, 2.5 GB)
Indians (47-47, 3.5 GB)
New York Yankees (47-47, 3.5 GB)
White Sox (45-51, 6.5 GB)
Twins (44-50, 6.5 GB)
Tampa Bay Rays (44-53, 8 GB)
Boston Red Sox (43-52, 8 GB)

2014 Series Schedule/Results v. Red Sox
July 18-20, Fenway Park
September 19-21, Kauffman Stadium

Game Notes:
Boston Red Sox
Kansas City Royals