KC Royals Series Preview: Twins (5-7) at Royals (9-3)

To say this weekend was boring at Kauffman Stadium doesn’t do justice to the series between Oakland and Kansas City. While blame lies on both sides in my opinion, and fines plus suspensions will be handed out this week, it’s time to move on.

Edinson Volquez will get another chance to face the Twins tonight at Kauffman Stadium. Volquez lost to Kyle Gibson last week in the Twin Cities. Photo Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Next up is a visit from the Minnesota Twins, who took two of three from our boys in blue just last week. Who knows what KC’s 25-man roster will look like after whatever discipline comes down from the league office.

Probable Pitching Match-ups:
Monday, 7:10 pm – Kyle Gibson/RHP (1-1, 6.10) v. Edinson Volquez/RHP (1-1, 2.30)
Tuesday, 7:10 pm – Tommy Milone/LHP (2-0, 2.08) v. Jason Vargas/LHP (1-1, 6.00)
Wednesday, 7:10 pm – Mike Pelfrey/RHP (0-0, 4.50) v. Jeremy Guthrie/RHP (1-0, 5.54)

Comments on Pitching Match-ups –
Game 1: Gibson and Volquez meet again after the Twins righty and his team won 3-1. It’ll be the first of two rematches this series.
Game 2: These lefties battled on get away day in Minneapolis with Milone getting a win against Vargas while making KC look helpless before the Minnesota relief pitches tightened it up.
Game 3: To close out this three game, AL Central match-up will be Pelfrey v. Guthrie which features two guys with high ERA’s.

Series Predictions – Last week it seemed like a sure thing for the KC Royals going against the Twins which after the opener seemed like it be smooth sailing. Again, I think Kansas City will face some suspensions not that I’ll agree with them but with injuries to Greg Holland plus possible Omar Infante the team could be lacking some depth from their bullpen plus line-up. I didn’t feel a sweep last week at Target Field and feel the same this week. Prediction: Royals take two of three

2015 Meetings:
Short turnaround for these teams who just met last week up north. Kansas City took the opener 12-3 before losing 3-1 and 8-5. Danny Duffy was the lone victor with Volquez and Vargas taking defeats.

Franchise History:
The Twins hold an all-time series advantage of 375-342, the Royals lead in games played in Kansas City 182-176 with a record of 163-159 at the K.

TV/Radio Coverage:
FOX Sports Kansas City will broadcast all three games with Steve Physioc and Rex Hudler on the call. Royals Live can be seen on FSKC prior to both games with host Joel Goldberg and Royals Hall of Famer Jeff Montgomery from the left field studio.

The Royals Radio Network (610 Sports in Kansas City) will have Royals Hall of Famer/2007 Ford C. Frick Award winner Denny Matthews who’s joined by Ryan Lefebvre and Steve Stewart describing all the action from the K.

2015 Series Schedule/Results v. Twins (MIN 2-1)
April 13-16, Target Field: W 12-3, L 3-1, L 8-5
April 20-22, Kauffman Stadium
June 8-10, Target Field
July 2-5, Kauffman Stadium
September 7-9, Kauffman Stadium
October 2-4, Target Field

Game Notes:
Minnesota Twins
Kansas City Royals

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