The KC Royals homestand against Washington was so brief you might have missed it between blinks. The Nationals took two of three games. It marks three straight series defeats and a 2-7 stretch for our boys in blue versus, Los Angeles, Seattle and Washington.
It’s now time to get back into AL Central play at Progressive Field where Cleveland awaits, our Royals are 5-1 versus division foes so far but both those series were at Kauffman Stadium. Let’s get you ready to go for this three game series versus the Indians.
Probable Pitching Match-Ups
Friday, 6:10 pm – Yordan Ventura/RHP (2-1, 3.67) v. Danny Salazar/LHP (2-2, 2.40)
Saturday, 3:10 pm – Ian Kennedy/RHP (3-2, 2.61) v. Cody Anderson/RHP (0-1, 7.65)
Sunday, 1:10 pm – Edinson Volquez/RHP (3-2, 3.13) v. Josh Tomlin/RHP (4-0, 3.13)
Comments on Pitching Match-Ups – This will be a good test for both clubs as they start pitchers who can give troubles to both offenses. It’ll also feature only one left handed starter over this weekend set between these two rivals.
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Game 1: Ventura struggled last Saturday in Seattle as his control struggled during his entire outing. Salazar has struggled to get run support this season as shown in his ERA and being at .500 in his W/L record.
Game 2: Kennedy struggled on Sunday but did get the win against the Mariners but he’s been what the team has wanted so far this season. Anderson has a high earned run average and just one defeat to show.
Game 3: Volquez struggled early on against Washington allowing two first inning runs before settling down but got zero runs of support. Tomlin is unbeaten so far this season, he’s been a pain when facing KC which bares watching at least given prior results.
Series Outlook – Both of these teams are looking up at Chicago in the division standings early on this season. Kansas City won 10 of 19 meetings en route to winning the Central in 2015, Cleveland has been hovering around .500 all year. Which teams offense awakes this weekend on the shores of Lake Erie seems to be the key in winning this three game set. The Royals will miss Corey Kluber this time around which is good, however the Tribe aren’t lacking starting pitching at all. Carlos Santana seems to hit our guys as well as any divisional opponent and Jason Kipnis always appears to be on base as a catalyst. Where does KC get offense from? Will Alcides Escobar keep up his hot hitting? Mike Moustakas, has monster numbers against the Indians which hopefully continues. A bigger concern is working on that 3-8 mark away from the K.
Prediction – Royals win two of three
2015 Meetings
In 19 games last season Kansas City won 10 games versus Cleveland as they cruises to their first division crown in 30 years.
Franchise History
All-time Cleveland is 332-316 which includes being 31 games over .500 versus the Royals in Ohio at 179-148. KC has struggled at the “Jake” but did win five of nine there last season.
TV/Radio Coverage
FOX Sports Kansas City will broadcast all four games from Houston with Ryan Lefebvre and Rex Hudler. Joel Goldberg and Royals Hall of Famer Jeff Montgomery host Royals Live before and after the games.
On the Royals Radio Network (610 Sports in KC) will be Steve Physioc and Steve Stewart describing the action from Progressive Field.
Series Resulta/Schedule
May 6-8/Progressive Field:
June 2-5/Progressive Field:
June 13-15/Kauffman Stadium:
July 18-20/Kauffman Stadium:
September 20-22/Progressive Field:
September 30-October 2/Kauffman Stadium:
Next: KC Royals Report: Nationals Blast Royals 13-2
Game Notes:
Houston Astros
Kansas City Royals