KC Royals Look to Rebound on the Road

The Royals will look to continue their 2016 dominance over Minnesota when this three game series at Target Field starts Labor Day. Photo Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
The Royals will look to continue their 2016 dominance over Minnesota when this three game series at Target Field starts Labor Day. Photo Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

After a disappointing 2-4 home stand which saw four losses by one run, bullpen meltdowns, blown leads and extra inning defeats. What could’ve been a 6-0 stretch now has the team in search of wins as they head to the road.

It’s no secret that the KC Royals have struggled away from Kauffman Stadium, but did post a 4-2 mark last time out when they went through Miami and Boston.

Probable Pitching Match-Ups

Monday, 1:10 pm – Ian Kennedy/RHP (9-9, 3.66) v. Pat Dean/LHP (1-5, 6.75)
Tuesday, 7:10 pm – Dillon Gee/RHP (6-7, 4.33) v. Ervin Santana/RHP (7-10, 3.54)
Wednesday, 7:10 pm – Danny Duffy/LHP (11-2, 3.13) v. Kyle Gibson/RHP (5-9, 5.31)

Comments on Pitching Match-Ups – Wins are needed and they’ll be starting three pitchers who are perfectly capable of delivering wins or giving them that chance. Kennedy is a perfect 2-0 in his starts this season against this division foe. Gee will look to improve on his 1-2 record versus the Twins who got him the first two times but did win last time out. Duffy will hopefully be pitching for the sweep on Thursday night.

More from KC Royals News

Series Outlook – It’s been all Kansas City between these two teams in 2016 but that said it might be the perfect time for Minnesota to claim some wins over the champs. Paulo Orlando has woken up this past weekend which hopefully continues. KC hopefully finds themselves in position that Joakim Soria, Kelvin Herrera and Wade Davis can right themselves. Equally as important Peter Moylan, Matt Strahm, Brian Flynn continuing to get work to stay sharp. That said needing Alcides Escobar hopefully stays hot as he’s found his power stroke at the bottom of the line-up.

Prediction – KC Royals win two of three

2016 Meetings
In 13 meetings, Kansas City has won 11 while dropping only two games against their long time AL Central nemesis. During their August series our boys in blue won all four games by scores of 8-1, 5-4, 10-0 and 2-1.

Franchise History
All-time the Twins still have the advantage but have seen their lead decrease this season as it sits at 382-364. Here in Minneapolis the defending World Champions are 33-29 at Target Field but are 170-201 in the land of 1,000 lakes.

TV/Radio Coverage
FOX Sports Kansas City will broadcast all three games from downtown Minneapolis with Ryan Lefebvre and Rex Hudler. Joel Goldberg hosts Royals Live before and after the games.

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 Steve Physioc and Steve Stewart.

Next: Is Salvador Perez Suffering From Over-Use?

2016 Season Series – Schedule/Results: (KC 11-2)

April 8-10, Kauffman Stadium: W 4-3, W 7-0, W 4-3
May 23-25, Target Field: W 10-4, W 7-4, L 7-5
August 12-14, Target Field: W 7-3, L 5-3, W 11-4
August 18-21, Kauffman Stadium: W 8-1, W 5-4 (F/11), 10-0, 2-1
September 5-7, Target Field
September 27-29, Kauffman Stadium