KC Royals Series Preview: Streaking Astros pay a visit

The KC Royals return home to Kauffman Stadium to host Houston after two losses in Queens as the Astros return to Kauffman Stadium for the first time since last October’s ALDS. The ‘Stros are 8-2 over their last 10 games entering this series.

The Kansas City Royals currently hold the best home record in Major League Baseball, while having one of the worst road record which is taking effect on their overall record.

Probable Pitching Match-Ups
Friday, 7:15 pm – Dallas Keuchel/LHP (3-9, 5.32) v. Edinson Volquez/RHP (7-6, 4.12)
Saturday, 6:15 pm – Mike Fiers/RHP (5-3, 4.42) v. Chris Young/RHP (2-6, 5.61)
Sunday, 1:15 pm – Doug Fister/RHP (8-3, 3.21) v. Ian Kennedy/RHP (5-6, 4.19)

Comments on Pitching Match-Ups – It’s a little bit of everything with the probable pitching match-ups this weekend between these clubs. Records aside who knows what’ll happen given how polar all six pitchers are depending where they start.

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Game 1: Keuchel has had troubles away from Minute Maid Park but he’s still digging out from a slow start as are Houston. Volquez was alright last time out, he’s still giving up too many runs per start despite the run support.

Game 2: Fiers has a high ERA but it’s middle of the road compared to others throwing this weekend. Young has always taken advantage of his home park since coming to crown town which is good given his road results.

Game 3: Fister has been his teams most consistent pitcher despite the Astros season. Kennedy is another KC Royals pitcher who uses the K better than when he’s on the road starting.

Series Outlook – These teams didn’t seem to like each other after five games last fall, there didn’t seem to be any bad blood when they first played at MMP. Carlos Correra has started to pick up his play which seems coincide with their recent success. Jose Altuve and George Springer are pests getting on base. Brett Eibner has continued to make it tough for the club when an upcoming roster decision is to be made when Alex Gordon returns.

Prediction – KC Royals take two of three

2016 Meetings
After losing the opening game 8-2, the Kansas City Royals stormed back winning 3-2, 4-2 and 6-2. Kris Medlen, Luke Hochevar and Kennedy were the pitchers who won while Fiers, Ken Giles plus Fister lost.

Franchise History
All-time the Astros are 27-25 versus the KC Royals, which includes being 14-10 at the K during their few visits.

TV/Radio Coverage
FOX Sports Kansas City will broadcast two of the games this weekend with Ryan Lefebvre and Rex Hudler. Joel Goldberg and Kansas City Royals Hall of Famer Jeff Montgomery host Royals Live before and after the games.

Nationally FOX will broadcast the Saturday night match-up between these two teams with Matt Vasgersian, John Smoltz and Ken Rosenthal. Fans will remember that Vasgersian and Smoltz called the ALDS for FOX last fall.

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

2016 Series Schedule/Results v. Astros: (KC 3-1)
April 11-14, Minute Maid Park: L 8-2, W 3-2, W 4-2, W 6-2
June 24-26, Kauffman Stadium:

Next: Alex Gordon Needs To Bat Second Upon Return

Game Notes:
Houston Astros
Kansas City Royals