Series Preview: Royals (48-49) at White Sox (47-52)

Well that wasn’t how Royals (48-49) fans wanted their team to play following the midsummer classic, getting swept at Fenway Park. Over the three games Boston outscored Kansas City 13-5 while outhitting KC 25-21 with game three going 9-4 in favor of the BoSox in their 6-0 victory.

After being swept in Boston for the first time since 2006 the Royals head to Chicago. KC will face White Sox All-Star Chris Sale to the this important series on the Southside. Photo Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

Next up will be three games on the Southside of Chicago against the White Sox, which now becomes an important series before returning home this weekend.

Probable Pitching Match-ups:
Monday, 7:10 pm – Jeremy Guthrie/RHP (5-8, 4.56) v. Chris Sale/LHP (8-1, 2.08)
Tuesday, 7:10 pm – Bruce Chen/LHP (1-2, 6.46) v. Scott Carroll/RHP (4-5, 4.19)
Wednesday, 1:10 pm – James Shields/RHP (9-5, 3.70) v. Jose Quintana/LHP (5-7, 3.26)

Comments on Pitching Match-ups – After facing Jon Lester on Sunday the Royals will face All-Star Sale to open this series in Chicago. Guthrie who starter last time KC was on the south side he struggled with a big lead he was given and only lasting 5.2 innings. Outside of Shields starting on Wednesday I’d give the leg up to the White Sox in what’s now an important series.

Series Predictions – As I just mentioned this is an important series for our boys in blue who have dropped six of their last seven games dating back before the All-Star break. I’m an optimist usually but for some reason I’ve got a bad feeling given how things have gone. Prediction: White Sox take two of three

2014 Meetings:
Kansas City now leads the season series 6-3 after sweeping Chicago last month at “the Cell” by scores of 7-2, 9-1 and 6-3. Guthrie, Danny Duffy and Shields picked up wins with Greg Holland earning a save during the sweep.

Franchise History:
The White Sox lead the all-time series 360-330 while the Royals are 150-199 on the “Southside” and are 80-107 at US Cellular Field.

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

AL Central Standings (June 21):
Detroit Tigers (54-41)
Cleveland Indians (50-48, 5.5 GB)
Kansas City Royals (48-49, 7 GB)
Chicago White Sox (47-52, 9 GB)
Minnesota Twins (44-53, 11 GB)

AL Wildcard Standings (July 21)
Los Angeles Angels (59-38, +7.5 GMS)
Seattle Mariners (52-46, -)
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New York Yankees (50-47, 1.5 GB)
Toronto Blue Jays (51-48, 1.5 GB)
Indians (50-48, 2 GB)
Royals (48-49, 3.5 GB)
White Sox (47-52, 5.5 GB)
Tampa Bay Rays (47-53, 6 GB)
Boston Red Sox (46-52, 6 GB)
Twins (44-53, 7.5 GB)

2014 Series Schedule/Results v. White Sox (Royals 6-3)
April 4-6, Kauffman Stadium – W 7-5, W 4-3, L 5-1
May 19-21, Kauffman Stadium – L 7-6, L 7-6, W 3-1
June 13-15, US Cellular Field – W 7-2, W 9-1, W 6-3
July 21-23, US Cellular Field
September 15-17, Kauffman Stadium
September 25-28, US Cellular Field

Game Notes:
Chicago White Sox
Kansas City Royals