KC Royals Series Preview: 2016 Edition of the I-70 Series

By Mike Vamosi |

Matt Carpenter and the Cardinals come to Kauffman Stadium on Monday and Tuesday before the I-70 Series shifts to Busch Stadium on Wednesday and Thursday. Photo Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports

The KC Royals host the St. Louis Cardinals Monday night for the first leg of the 2016 I-70 Series as both teams will host two games in this four game series. Both teams enter with identical 39-35 records and currently are second place in their respective divisions.

These two are experiencing different issues, the Kansas City Royals’ starting pitching struggled this weekend while St. Louis removed their closer Trevor Rosenthal in favor of a committee.

Probable Pitching Match-Ups
Monday, 7:15 pm – Adam Wainwright/RHP (6-4, 4.73) v. Danny Duffy/LHP (2-1, 3.38)
Tuesday, 7:15 pm – Michael Wacha/RHP (3-7, 4.41) v. Yordano Ventura/RHP (6-4, 4.54)
Wednesday, 7:15 pm – Edinson Volquez/RHP (7-7, 5.15.) v. Carlos Martinez/RHP (7-5, 3.02)
Thursday, 6:15 pm – Chris Young/RHP (2-7, 6.54) v. Jaime Garcia/RHP (5-6, 4.09)

Comments on Pitching Match-Ups – These match-ups seem to favor the Red Birds on paper, however that’s not how these games ultimately will be decided this week. It’ll also blend AL/NL styles being on display which could play a part.

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Game 1: Wainwright steadily has improved since his slow start in April and early May. Duffy took a no-decision in Queens despite pitching fairly well.

Game 2: Wacha doesn’t have the numbers of previous season but has seemed to pitch well against the KC Royals. Ventura since being “suspended” has pitched well in his last few starts which hopefully continues.

Game 3: Volquez pitching of late has been frustrating, on Friday night he logged one inning while getting rocked. Martinez has been the Cards most consistent pitcher and has posted a decent earned run average.

Game 4: Young may or may not make this scheduled start due to his struggles as a starter, he’s been much better when coming out of the bullpen for long relief. Garcia didn’t get the decision Sunday in Seattle and has been hit or miss this season.

Series Outlook – Four Cardinals have hit 10 plus home runs led by Brandon Moss 16, Matt Holliday 14, Matt Carpenter 13 and Aledmys Diaz 10. They’ve got a fairly balanced offensive attack which could provide problems.

Kendrys Morales has come to life these past couple weeks highlighted by Sunday’s two home runs hit. As evident by each teams records they’re pretty even with the exception that STL has a losing home record and winning on the road while the KC Royals are the opposite.

Prediction – St. Louis takes three of four

2015 Meetings
The Kansas City Royals won the first two games a season ago before losing the last four games. Due to playing NL Central opponents these two played three game series in each city. The KC Royals won the series at home but got swept in eastern Missouri losing two one run games.

Franchise History
All-time the Cardinals are 50-36 versus the defending World Series Champions, holding a 31-18 mark at the K but are just 19-18 at Busch Stadium.

TV/Radio Coverage
FOX Sports Kansas City will broadcast all four games of this two city series 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.

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. Cardinals:
June 27-28, Kauffman Stadium
June 29-30, Busch Stadium

Next: Royals Rookies Showing Pundits Under-Estimated KC Farm System

Game Notes:
St. Louis Cardinals
Kansas City Royals

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