KC Royals Series Preview: Tigers (54-57) at Royals (66-44)

After a few days apart the Tigers and KC Royals reunite for another series starting tonight at Kauffman Stadium. Detroit took two of three last week at Comerica, highlighted by Ian Kinsler walkoff home run on Thursday afternoon.

Heeeeeeeeeeeeere’s Johnny!!! Cueto makes his home debut this evening and looks to defeat Detroit who got the best of him last week. Photo Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

In the three games since they’ve met Kansas City swept Chicago while Boston defeated the Tigers two of three plus they had a couple dugout issues.

Probable Starting Pitching Match-Ups:
Monday, 7:10 pm – Matt Boyd/LHP (1-2, 7.90) v. Johnny Cueto/RHP (0-1, 3.46 w/KC)
Tuesday, 7:10 pm – Anibal Sanchez/RHP (10-9, 4.82) v. Yordano Ventura/RHP (6-7, 5.29)
Wednesday, 7:10 pm – Daniel Norris/LHP (2-2, 4.24) v. Edinson Volquez/RHP (11-6, 3.11)

Comments on Pitching Match-Ups – These match-ups mirror the last two from last week to open this series which were defeats for the Royals. Wednesday we’ll see one of the center pieces of the David Price trade getting the start.

Game 1: Boyd picked up his first career win at KC’s expense and will look for his second to start this series. Not that the atmosphere needs a boost at the K but with Cueto’s first start at home expect it to be a little louder than it’s been which says something.
Game 2: Sanchez struggled early on last week but bounced back, however his bullpen cost him a victory that and allowing a Drew Butera home run. Ventura continues to be frustrating for whatever reason and that continued in his last start which included surrendering two home runs to Victor Martinez.
Game 3: As mentioned Norris was a key piece when Detroit moved Price a couple weeks ago, Royals fans will get their first look. Volquez did enough to win versus Chicago but this line-up will pose more trouble if the same mistakes are made.

Series Prediction – Amazingly these teams have split the first ten meetings but Detroit won the last series besting KC in back-to-back games after losing to Danny Duffy. The Tigers are still hanging on in the race for a wildcard spot which take that for what it’s worth. Kansas City has a sizeable division lead and won’t lose much ground if they were to drop this series. That said these teams are operating under different circumstances after the weekend. Prediction: Royals win two of three

2015 Meetings:
After winning 5-1 in the opener, Detroit claimed 2-1 and 8-6 victories over our boys in blue. Cueto and Ryan Madson suffered defeats. During the first 10 games it’s been dotted by streaky teams by both teams with KC winning the first two, Detroit three straight then our Royals three then two straight by the Tigers.

Franchise History:
Detroit added to their narrow all-time series lead which now stands at 320-316, but Kansas City is 164-151 in games played in the city of fountains and are 154-137 at Kauffman Stadium.

TV/Radio Coverage:
Fox Sports Kansas City will broadcast all three games with Ryan Lefebvre and Rex Hudler on the call. Joel Goldberg and Royals Hall of Famer Jeff Montgomery host Royals Live before and after from their studio in left field.

ESPN Monday Night Baseball will be live from the K with Dave O’Brien, Dallas Braden, Eduardo Perez & Pedro Gomez. Tuesday’s game will also get national attention with MLB Network Showcase with Bob Costas, Jim Kaat and Sam Ryan bringing the action. Not sure about blackout restrictions for either games but expect to get FSKC over national coverage.

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. Tigers (Series Tied 5-5):
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 – W 5-1, L 2-1, L 8-6
August 10-12: Kauffman Stadium
September 1-3: Kauffman Stadium
September 18-20: Comerica Park

Game Notes:
Detroit Tigers
Kansas City Royals