KC Royals Series Preview: Royals (62-42) at Tigers (51-54)

It’s good to see our KC Royals return to America after a hotly contested series at Toronto which the Blue Jays took three of four. Despite how things went north of the border Kansas City maintains a 8.5 division lead with their magic number continuing to dwindle.

Royals nemesis Justin Verlander opens the series against KC tonight for the reeling Tigers. Photo Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

This series feels strange with Detroit being under .500 and well behind the Royals standings wise. None the less, there’s no feeling sorry for the four time defending division champions from this fan base.

Probable Starting Pitching Match-Ups:
Tuesday, 6:08 pm – Danny Duffy/LHP (4-5, 4.28) v. Justin Verlander/RHP (1-3, 4.86)
Wednesday, 6:08 pm – Johnny Cueto/RHP (0-0, 4.50) v. Buck Farmer/RHP (0-2, 8.50)
Thursday, 12:08 pm – Yordano Ventura/RHP (6-7, 4.98) v. Anibal Sanchez/RHP (10-9, 4.77)

Comments on Pitching Match-Ups – This series has the odd note of every starting pitcher brings an ERA of over four. Also only one pitcher has a winning record, so lets get weird alright!

Game 1: Duffy threw alright in his start against the Blue Jays and took the defeat, he’s 2-6 versus Detroit in his career but 1-0 this season. Verlander no matter how he’s doing always seems to get the best of KC which shows as he’s 19-7 versus the Royals.
Game 2: Cueto gave his new team six innings of work and left with a lead in a game the bullpen didn’t protect. Farmer has a gigantic ERA, he seems to not figured it out yet which hopefully holds off for another start.
Game 3: Ventura went seven innings and took some lumps in getting a win, outside of two poor innings he showed some encouraging signs. Sanchez, had KC’s number until this season where the Royals have done much better.

Series Prediction – There’s no Miguel Cabrera or Yoenis Cespedis in Detroit’s line-up this week and granted JD Martinez has done well it’s not the same old Tigers. In addition their organization is going through some changes with a front office shake-up. Comerica Park has been a house of horrors in years past which does weigh on my mind. Ned Yost has decided to keep Ben Zobrist second in the line-up with Mike Moustakas batting sixth at least for Tuesday. For whatever reason I see this series not going Kansas City’s way and them ending this trip on a losing note. Prediction: Tigers take two of three

2015 Meetings:
These two foes haven’t seen one another since May 10^th which was a 2-1 win by KC on Sunday Night Baseball which went 10 innings. That last series Kansas City won two of three after dropping the opener, the Royals did lead that game also before losing.

Franchise History:
Detroit still maintains a close all-time advantage of 318-315, which includes a mark of 167-151 in the Motor City and 75-64 at Comerica Park.

TV/Radio Coverage:
All three games can be seen on FOX Sports Kansas City where Ryan Lefebvre and Rex Hudler provide the call for this series on TV. Joel Goldberg and Royals Hall of Famer Jeff Montgomery have you covered before and after from the field with Royals Live.

The Royals Radio Network (610 Sports Radio in KC) has Steve Physioc and Steve Stewart describing all the action from Motown this series.

2015 Series Schedule/Results v. Tigers (KC 4-3):
April 30-May 3: Kauffman Stadium – W 8-1, W 4-1, L 2-1, L 6-4
May 8-10: Comerica Park – L 6-5, W 6-2, W 2-1 (10 inn)
August 4-6: Comerica Park
August 10-12: Kauffman Stadium
September 1-3: Kauffman Stadium
September 18-20: Comerica Park

Game Notes:
Detroit Tigers
Kansas City Royals