KC Royals Look to Continue Momentum Against Indians

If the cartwheels could be suspended briefly, Kansas City begins a three city road trip that begins in Cleveland tonight. Our KC Royals who know hold a 7.5 AL Central lead can continue to put distance between themselves on this trip.

Terry Francona’s Indians have been disappointing this season despite getting great starting pitching; however, they cannot hit to save their lives. This series is bigger for the Tribe than KC, but let’s not kid ourselves: lowering our magic number is the goal.

Probable Starting Pitching Match-Ups:
Monday, 6:10 pm – Edinson Volquez/RHP (9-5, 3.15) v. Cody Anderson/RHP (2-1, 1.91)
Tuesday, 6:10 pm – Chris Young/RHP (8-6, 3.32) v. Trevor Bauer/RHP (8-7, 4.29)
Wednesday, 11:10 am – Jeremy Guthrie/RHP (7-6, 5.35) v. Corey Kluber/RHP (5-11, 3.59)

Comments on Pitching Match-Ups – We’ve not seen Cleveland for a while but there’s no denying they’ve got pitchers who will cause anyone fits, not just our boys in blue. On paper, I’d say this series is set up for the Tribe to win based on how their pitching is lined up this series.

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Game 1: Eddy will square take his last turn as staff ace with Johnny Cueto joining the team tomorrow, but Volquez is hopefully continues his steady season. Anderson is an unfamiliar name who has a low ERA in a limited number of starts.
Game 2: Young, is a candidate to move back to the bullpen, a role which he excelled at before filling a rotation need. Bauer is a known commodity that this team had seen enough, they’ve struggled and excelled against him previously so who knows how he’ll do this start.
Game 3: Guthrie again faces one of his former teams, he pitched alright against Houston last time out losing against Scott Kazmir who held KC’s offense in check. Kluber is still seeking his first win against the AL Champions this season, which is just strange to type.

Series Prediction – These two division rivals have gone in different directions this season after both competed for playoff berths a season ago. Cleveland was predicted to win it all by some media publications, while Kansas City wasn’t expected to do much. Flash forward to today where those have been turned upside down. The Indians need to do well in order to stay within range of a potential wildcard spot. Prediction: Indians take two of three

2015 Meetings:
These two have alternated wins and losses in their last six meetings all at Kauffman Stadium, the next seven will be here at Progressive Field. KC is 5-4 this season versus Cleveland, they’re also 2-1 by lake Erie this season. Last time out in June the Tribe won 2-1, losing 4-2 and claimed a rain shortened 6-2 win.

Franchise History:
All-time the Indians hold an advantage of 327-311 lead between these two teams which includes being 176-144 here in Cleveland. At Progressive Field, the Royals are 71-102 which hopefully changes this week.

TV/Radio Coverage:
FOX Sports Kansas City will broadcast all three games of this series, Ryan Lefebvre and Rex Hudler have the call. Joel Goldberg and Royals Hall of Famer Jeff Montgomery host Royals Live before and after the game.

The Royals Radio Network (610 Sports in Kansas City) has Royals Hall of Famer/2007 Ford C. Frick winner Denny Matthews describing the action from the K with Steve Physioc and Steve Stewart along side.

2015 Series/Results v. Indians (KC 5-4):
April 27-29: Progressive Field – W 6-2, W 11-5, L 7-5
May 5-7: Kauffman Stadium – W 5-3, L 10-3, W 7-4
June 2-4: Kauffman Stadium – L 2-1, W 4-2, L 6-2 F/8
July 27-29: Progressive Field
September 14-17: Progressive Field
September 25-27: Kauffman Stadium

Game Notes:
Cleveland Indians
Kansas City Royals

Next: Royals Trade Will Benefit Johnny Cueto

Schedule