KC Royals Series Preview: Homestand Continues With Tigers

An eight game losing streak has been followed-up with five straight victories by our KC Royals who welcome another AL Central rival to Kauffman Stadium. Detroit had an up and down series in Chicago while, the Kansas City Royals is now tied for the division lead.

The Tigers bullpen melted down at US Cellular Field this week and remains a tricky spot despite their starting pitching getting the job done when in the game.

Probable Pitching Match-Ups
Thursday, 7:15 pm – Justin Verlander/RHP (6-5, 3.77) v. Danny Duffy/LHP (2-1, 2.94)
Friday, 7:15 pm – Michael Fulmer/RHP (7-1, 2.52) v. Yordano Ventura/RHP (5-4, 4.93)
Saturday, 7:15 pm – Matt Boyd/LHP (0-1, 4.91) v. Edinson Volquez/RHP (6-6, 3.90)
Thursday, 1:15 pm – Jordan Zimmerman/RHP (9-3, 3.46) v. Chris Young/RHP (2-6, 6.15)

Comments on Pitching Match-Ups – On paper the pitching match-ups favor Detroit who start three pitchers who have winning records and reasonable ERA’s. As we know games aren’t played on paper.

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Game 1: Verlander has bounced back this season after a concerning 2015, despite his record he’s done alright. Duffy has put together back-to-back solid starts which includes Saturday on the Southside which he handcuffed the ChiSox.

Game 2: Fulmer has been a surprise for the Tigers as he’s racked up wins while having a sub-three earned run average. Ventura surprised many Sunday by having a bounced back start where Chicago didn’t have many answers, hopefully we get the on-appeal version of Yo going forward.

Game 3: Boyd struggled when he faced the KC Royals last season and his a high ERA and in his only decision is 0-1. Volquez is another example of Royals pitchers performing better at home than away, his number bare this out.

Game 4: Zimmerman defeated the Kansas City Royals earlier this season which he outdueled Ian Kennedy. Young gets his second start of this homestand, he kept the boys in blue afloat as he got a no-decision.

Series Outlook – These KC Royals are now tied for the AL Central lead with the Tigers a couple games behind entering this series. Miguel Cabrera was held in check when these teams squared off earlier but can it continue? KC averaged 4.6 runs in their sweep against Cleveland with new leadoff hitter Whit Merrifield continuing to get on base, Salvador Perez has homered in back-to-back games can he continue this?

Prediction – Series split 2-2

2016 Meetings
Detroit and the Kansas City Royals have only played once this season with the defending champions taking two of three winning 8-6 and 4-0 with a 3-2 loss in between.

Franchise History
All-time the Tigers still hold an advantage of 172-155, after adding two wins in April our boys in blue are 170-154 against Detroit in the City of Fountains.

TV/Radio Coverage
FOX Sports Kansas City will broadcast three of the four games from the K with Steve Physioc and Rex Hudler. Joel Goldberg and KC Royals Hall of Famer Jeff Montgomery host Royals Live before and after the games.

FOX will have Saturday nights game with regional coverage with Steve Physioc and Eric Karros.

On the Royals Radio Network (610 Sports in KC) will be Royals Hall of Famer/2007 Ford C. Frick Award winner Denny Matthews who’s joined in the booth by Ryan Lefebvre and Steve Stewart.

2016 Series Schedule/Results v. Tigers: (KC 2-1)
April 19-21, Kauffman Stadium: W 8-6, L 3-2, W 4-0
June 17-19, Kauffman Stadium:
July 15-17, Comerica Park:
August 15-17, Comerica Park:
September 2-4, Kauffman Stadium:
September 23-25, Comerica Park:

Next: Royals Report: Revenge Sweep Over Cleveland

Game Notes:
Detroit Tigers
Kansas City Royals