KC Royals Set to Face White Hot Texas Rangers

They didn’t get a full game in last night, but Kansas City still fell 6-2 to Cleveland which was the first home series defeat of 2015. It’s time to welcome in the Texas Rangers, who are 15-8 since the KC Royals faced them in Arlington last month (our boys in blue 10-10 in this span).

Prized prospect Joey Gallo and the Rangers come to KC this weekend. Photo Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

This series will get national attention as the middle game will be on FOX Sports one, Friday will be the lone night game as both weekend games start at 1:10 pm.

Probable Pitching Match-ups:
Friday, 7:10 pm – Chi Chi Gonzalez/RHP (1-0, 0.00) v. Edinson Volquez/RHP (4-3, 2.95)
Saturday, 1:10 pm – Wandy Rodriguez/LHP (2-2, 3.55) v. Yordano Ventura/RHP (3-4, 4.26)
Sunday, 1:10 pm – Colby Lewis/RHP (5-3, 4.48) v. Jeremy Guthrie/RHP (4-3, 6.17)

Comments on Pitching Match-ups – All three pitchers the Royals will throw this weekend faced Texas when these two tangled in May. Only Lewis threw for the Rangers during the four game series played that ended in a split.

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Game 1: Volquez is coming off a no-decision against Chicago which he threw well but was a victim of NL rules where he might’ve gone longer has his spot not come up in the batting order. Gonzalez is new to the Rangers rotation as he’s got one decision so far.
Game 2: Rodriguez will be the lone south paw to throw this series when he takes the ball on Saturday afternoon. Ventura had another good outing but also didn’t factor in the final outcome Sunday at Wrigley; however, he did go seven innings.
Game 3: Lewis defeated Danny Duffy in the opener for Texas and will look for another win to close this series out. Guthrie had an encouraging outing against Cleveland throwing 5.2 innings while allowing one run getting a ND.

Series Predictions – Texas is one of the hottest teams in all of Major League Baseball as they come to Kauffman Stadium. A big help for the KC Royals chances would be if Alcides Escobar can get it going to set the table for a quiet offense. We singled out some players who were hot heading into the previous series, but let’s be honest, Escobar needs to get on base so Mike Moustakes, Lorenzo Cain, Eric Hosmer and Kendrys Morales can have chances to drive in runs. For the Rangers, Prince Fielder continues to be on a tear, and, while Adrian Beltre is ou,t hot prospect Joey Gallo is and and hitting. Based on how both teams are currently playing, I give the benefit of the doubt to the visitors. Prediction: Rangers take two of three

2015 Meetings:
These teams split last month with Texas winning games one and three by scores of 8-2 and 5-2 while Kansas City took games two and four 7-6 (10 innings) then 6-3. Greg Holland blew a save in Arlington but did earn a win when it took KC extra innings plus Alex Gordon going deep, Guthrie as mentioned also go a win while Ventura and Duffy suffered defeats.

Franchise History:
Kansas City leads the all-time series between these teams 253-245, this match-up is one sided when they meet in the Show Me State. The Royals hold an advantage of 141-111 total with 136-107 at the K.

TV/Radio Coverage:
FOX Sports Kansas City will broadcast Friday and Sunday games with Ryan Lefebvre and Rex Hudler on the call. Royals Live is with Joel Goldberg and Royals Hall of Famer Jeff Montgomery from the field takes place prior to the game in left field.

Saturday’s game can be seen nationally on FOX Sports 1 having the only TV coverage between these teams.

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. Rangers (Series Tied 2-2)
May 11-14: Globe Life Park – L 8-2, W 7-6 (10 inn), L 5-2, W 6-3
June 5-7: Kauffman Stadium

Game Notes:
Texas Rangers
Kansas City Royals

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