KC Royals Series Preview: Royals (84-58) at Indians (70-71)

Good news is that Baltimore didn’t sweep our KC Royals but it was the second straight series defeat. Currently, the team’s magic number is manageable and they maintain the best record of AL clubs but concern still remains.

Mike Moustakas and the Royals can send a blow to Cleveland’s postseason chances this week. Photo Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

This series won’t be any easier as Cleveland has been play well lately and worked themselves into the wildcard chase which didn’t seem possible a month ago.

Probable Pitching Match-Ups:

Thursday, 6:10 pm – Edinson Volquez/RHP (13-7, 3.49) v. Carlos Carrasco/RHP (12-10, 3.70)
Friday, 6:10 pm – Kris Medlen/RHP (3-1, 4.58) v. Josh Tomlin/RHP (5-1, 2.85)
Saturday, 6:10 pm – Danny Duffy/LHP (7-7, 4.14) v. Danny Salazar/RHP (12-8, 3.57)
Sunday, 6:10 pm – Yordano Ventura/RHP (11-8, 4.42) v. TBA

Comments on Pitching Match-Ups – Terry Francona named three of his four starts all have given our boys in blue fits this season at different times. For the Royals this needs to be a series which those starting snap out of their funk.

Game 1: Volquez continues to be steady which has been a welcomed sign but if they could squeeze a little more than they’ve got that help a weary bullpen out. Carrasco went from almost traded to staying with the Tribe which he’s had a nice season.
Game 2: Medlen went from looking like a postseason starter to bullpen option depending on how you’ve graded recent starts. Tomlin’s ERA plus win/loss record that look good this year, he’s also been tough in previous meetings.
Game 3: Duffy needs to have a start that he had in that awesome July stretch for fans to regain confidence and promise that he’s capable of. Salazar has looked both good and bad as anyone who faces a division opponents often would.
Game 4: Ventura gave up runs on Saturday but looked better by comparison of his teammates against the O’s but hopefully can give a good start here. Who knows what Francona will do for his start in the series finale.

Series Prediction – Cleveland is still fighting and clawing for a playoff berth which Kansas City can all but end any divisional chance by winning or sweeping this week. The Tribe have played much better recently than their division leading rival. Mike Moustakas who drove in nine runs on Saturday hopefully continues his tear which career speaking he’s done versus the Indians. Hopefully HDH will get more chances and bounce back as Kelvin Herrera, Wade Davis and Greg Holland get going again. Prediction: Series split

2015 Meetings:
Kansas City holds a 7-5 record between these AL Central foes which includes a 4-2 record on the shores of Lake Eries this season. In July KC won 9-4, 2-1 before getting blasted 12-1 in the series finale which was the one of Jeremy Guthrie’s final starts.

Franchise History:
Cleveland maintains a 328-313 advantage between the clubs which includes a healthy 177-146 record here in northern Ohio and 103-73 at Progressive (I still call it Jacobs) Field.

TV/Radio Coverage:
All four games can be found on FSKC with Ryan Lefebvre and Rex Hudler bringing you the action in the middle section of this road trip. Joel Goldberg and Royals Hall of Famer Jeff Montgomery have Royals Live before and after each game of this series.

Over on the Royals Radio Network (610 Sports in KC) will be the “Steve’s” with Phys and Stewart bringing you the call.

2015 Series Schedule/Results v. Angels (KC 7-5):
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 – W 9-4, W 2-1, L 12-1
September 14-17: Progressive Field
September 25-27: Kauffman Stadium

Game Notes:
Cleveland Indians
Kansas City Royals