Series Preview: Royals (66-54) at Twins (54-65)

After a 6-1 homestand against San Francisco and Oakland it’s time for the Royals to head north against Minnesota as they begin a long three city eight game road trip. As they embark on this journey through Minneapolis, Denver and Arlington they depart leading the AL Central.

Josh Willingham and his new team the Royals head north to face his old team the Twins this weekend. Photo Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

This trip on paper looks like it can be navigated well with the chance to keep the series winning streak going. First thing is first, taking care of business against the Twins who’ll look to play spoilers and be a bump in the Royals road.

Probably Pitching Match-ups:
Friday, 7:10 pm – Danny Duffy/LHP (7-10, 2.57) v. Ricky Nolasco/RHP (5-7, 5.90)
Saturday, 6:10 pm – Yordano Ventura/RHP (9-8, 3.45) v. Phil Hughes/RHP (12-8, 3.88)
Sunday, 1:10 pm – Jeremy Guthrie/RHP (8-10, 4.45) v. Tommy Milone/LHP (6-3, 3.52)
Monday, 7:10 pm – Jason Vargas/LHP (9-5, 3.27) v. Trevor May/RHP (0-1, 18.00)

Comments on Pitching Match-ups – This Royals pitching staff has thrown well as of late despite going against a who’s who of All-Star opponents past and present. Duffy/Ventura/Guthrie and Vargas will give the team a chance to win another series. Not to undersell Minnesota is throwing Nolasco and Hughes each own a win over KC while Milone causes struggles for the Royals each time he faces them. Danny and Yordano each have a victory against the Twins this season which hopefully they add to this weekend.

Series Predictions – I’d love to say that a sweep is possible in the Twin Cities this weekend but that’s not how these series have gone this season. Kansas City has a 2-4 record at Target Field this weekend plus is facing guys who can cause them troubles. I like our boys in blue to take another series but do think they drop one which I lean to it being on Saturday or Sunday. Prediction: Royals take three of four

2014 Meetings:
In 12-games this season these two franchises are deadlocked at six games apiece, which as mentioned have a losing record up north this season. Last time out in late July at Kauffman Stadium the Royals won 3-2, 6-3 after losing the opener 2-1. Jason Frasor and Ventura both picked up victories in that series win for KC. This is the last trip north on I-29 this season between the clubs and second to last meeting of 2014.

Franchise History:
Minnesota still holds an all-time series advantage of 371-336 and are 196-156 versus Kansas City in the land of 10,000 lakes which includes a 24-19 record at beautiful Target Field.

TV/Radio Coverage:
All four games can be seen on FOX Sports Kansas City with Ryan Lefebvre and Rex Hudler handing the TV broadcast. Joel Goldberg leads Royals Live before and after from Target Field. On the Royals Radio Network (610 Sports Radio in KC) will be Royals Hall of Famer/2007 Ford C. Frick Award winner Denny Matthews joined by Steve Physioc and Steve Stewart from downtown Minneapolis.

AL Central Standings (August 15):
Kansas City Royals (66-54, – GB)
Detroit Tigers (65-54, .5 GB)
Cleveland Indians (60-60, 6 GB)
Chicago White Sox (57-64, 9.5 GB)
Minnesota Twins (54-65, 11.5 GB)

2014 Series Schedule/Results v. Twins (Tied 6-6)
April 11-13, Target Field – L 10-1, L 7-1, L 4-3
April 18-20, Kauffman Stadium – W 5-0, W 5-4, L 8-3
June 30-July 2, Target Field – W 6-1, L 10-2, W 4-0
July 29-31, Kauffman Stadium – L 2-1, W 3-2, W 6-3
August 15-18, Target Field
August 26-28, Kauffman Stadium

Game Notes:
Minnesota Twins
Kansas City Royals