Justin Marks is Just Not Necessary for the Royals by David Hill

The boys in blue briefly return home for a three game series after a 3-3 record in Minneapolis and Houston. Kansas City (7-7) will get a chance to even the score against Minnesota (8-7), who swept the Royals last weekend at Target Field.

The Kansas City Royals return home to Kauffman Stadium for three games against Minnesota. Photo Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Probably Pitching Match-ups:

Friday, 7:10 pm – Ricky Nolasco/RHP (1-1, 5.50) v. Jason Vargas/LHP (1-0, 1.64)

Saturday, 1:10 pm – Kevin Correia/RHP (0-1, 5.30) v. Bruce Chen/LHP (0-1, 6.30)

Sunday, 1:10 pm – Phil Hughes/RHP (0-1, 7.20) v. Yordano Ventura/RHP (1-0, 0.69)

Comments on Pitching Match-ups – These teams meet for the second time in over a week with the teams meeting at Kauffman Stadium. KC faced Nolasco and Correia last weekend going 0-1 with a no-decision. On the same end Vargas/Chen also went 0-1 with a ND mixed in against the Twins. Sunday is the game fans probably are looking most forward to with Ventura making the home start after what he did Tuesday in Houston.

2014 Meetings:

As mentioned, this is the second meeting between AL Central foes with last weekend Minnesota getting the sweep. Scores were 10-1 (W Kyle Gibson, L Chen), 7-1 (W Nolasco, L James Shields), 4-3 (W Casey Fien, L Aaron Crow, S Glen Perkins) in favor of the Twins.

Franchise History:

Minnesota increased their advantage in the all-time series to 368-330 after adding three games. KC holds a slim lead of 176-173 in games played in Kansas City. Even slimmer is the Royals the margin at Kauffman Stadium with it being 157-156 for the boys in blue at the K.

TV/Radio Coverage:

All three games can be seen on FOX Sports Kansas City with Ryan Lefebvre and Rex Hudler handing the TV broadcast. On the Royals Radio Network (610 Sports Radio in KC) will be Royals Hall of Famer/2007 Ford C. Frick Award winner Denny Matthews being joined in the booth by Steve Physioc and Steve Stewart.

AL Central Standings (April 18):

Detroit Tigers (7-5)

Minnesota Twins (8-7 GB .5)

Chicago White Sox (8-8 GB 1)

Kansas City Royals (7-7 GB 1)

Cleveland Indians (7-8 GB 1.5)

2014 Series Schedule/Results v. Twins (MIN 3-0)

April 11-13, Target Field – L 10-1, L 7-1, L 4-3

April 18-20, Kauffman Stadium

June 30-July 2, Target Field

July 29-31, Kauffman Stadium

August 15-18, Target Field

August 26-28, Kauffman Stadium

Game Notes:

Minnesota Twins

Kansas City Royals