The Royals are winners in 10 of their last 12 contests. The offense has shined at times, but the pitching has been exceptional in every game. With the shutout win last night, the Royals guaranteed themselves at least a 4-2 road trip. They also guaranteed at least a season series split with the Orioles.
A win today, would mean they won both series against Baltimore this year, taking 2 of 3 in each series, and would make a great road trip for Kansas City.
The lineup today marks the return of the Captain, Salvador Perez, although he is just the designated hitter. Perez missed the first two games of the series, after leaving Wednesday’s game in Tampa with left hip soreness after sliding into second on a double. Luke Maile was called up the next day for some more catching depth, and he will make his Royal debut today batting ninth, giving Freddy Fermin a much-needed day off, after catching the last three days.
As for the Orioles, their rough start to the season continues, they are 13-19 on the season now and last in the AL East. Starting pitching has been their bugaboo this season, but in the two games this series, they’ve pitched well. Former Twin Kyle Gibson starts today, he gave up a lot of home runs to the Yankees in his last start, so it’ll be interesting to see how he performs today.
Hopefully it’s a happy flight home for the Royals before they open a 4 game home series against the White Sox tomorrow night. Can Michael Lorenzen continue to pitch well? Find out at 12:35 p.m. CT on FanDuel Sports Network or on MLB Network if it’s not blacked out in your area.