KC Royals Series Preview: Royals (28-15) at Yankees (22-22)

For the second time in a couple weeks the KC Royals and New York Yankees meet for another three game series against one another. They’ll square off for three games in the Bronx with a Memorial Day afternoon game.

Chris Young and Michael Pineda will square off Wednesday afternoon again to close this series. Photo Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Since we last saw the Yankees they’ve lost seven of their last eight games since coming to the K and have fallen from first place.

Probable Pitching Match-ups:
Monday, 12:10 pm – Jeremy Guthrie/RHP (4-2, 4.75) v. Nathan Eovaldi/RHP (3-1, 4.73)
Tuesday, 6:05 pm – Jason Vargas/LHP (3-1, 5.26) v. Adam Warren/RHP (2-3, 4.26)
Wednesday, 12:05 pm – Chris Young/RHP (4-0, 0.78) v. Michael Pineda/RHP (5-2, 3.59)

Comments on Pitching Match-ups – Aside from Warren I’d say New York hold the upper hand starting pitching wise. Other than CC Sabathia last series Kansas City was fairly successful against the Yankee starters that threw. This time around I’d lean toward NY having a leg up in this department over the next three days.

*Editor’s Note: this was written before Guthrie’s implosion of epic proportions.*

Game 1: Guthrie and the shorter dimensions of Yankee Stadium seem to be an awful recipe for KC’s chances to win. Eovaldi didn’t pitch at Kauffman Stadium when these two last met but he’s got a nice record with a high ERA.
Game 2: Vargas returns from his DL stint to start where he’ll hopefully return to form from a season ago. If Warren sounds unfamiliar that’s likely because he is, he’s under .500 with a 4.26 ERA.
Game 3: Young who baffled St. Louis on Friday night looks to continue his success in the Bronx. Pineda was roughed up at the K will no doubt be looking to get KC back. This will be a rematch of game one from last series.

Series Predictions – Mainly, due to the starting pitching I’m not too wild about this series and the Royals record in New York all-time. As mentioned “new” Yankee Stadium plays small in left and right field which could lead to some high scoring games. After an I-70 series win I think there will be a letdown to a point/our starters don’t match-up as well. Prediction: Yankees win two of three

2015 Meetings:
Kansas City took two of three by scores of 12-1 and 6-0 with New York winning the middle game 5-1. Young beat Pineda, Sabthia shutdown KC while Danny Duffy taking the defeat then Edinson Volquez beat Chris Capuano.

Franchise History:
New York holds 277-191 all-time lead over Kansas City, in the Bronx our boys in blue are 81-151 which includes a mark of 9-11 at this Yankee Stadium.

TV/Radio Coverage:
FOX Sports Kansas City will broadcast all three games with Ryan Lefebvre and Rex Hudler on the call. Royals Live takes place 30 minutes prior to first pitch which is hosted by Joel Goldberg and Royals Hall of Famer Jeff Montgomery from left field, in addition to following the game.

ESPN will also have coverage of Monday’s game between these teams with Dan Shulman, John Kruk, Curt Schilling and Buster Olney on the call.

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

2015 Series Schedule/Results v. Yankees
May 15-17: Kauffman Stadium – W 12-1, L 5-1, W 6-0
May 25-27: Yankee Stadium

Game Notes:
New York Yankees
Kansas City Royals

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