The Kansas City Royals were winners of 8 games over their 10 game homestand. The hope was that could carry that momentum into their road trip and continue their comeback pursuit in the wild card race. However, the Royals have promptly dropped the first two in Detroit, 7-5 and 4-2. They are 66-64 on the season and three games behind the Mariners for the last playoff spot.
The Royals are 2-7 against the Tigers this season, the Royals actually won the season series last year, 7-6. Interestingly enough,
the Royals won the 7 of the first 9 last season before the Tigers won the last 4 contests. Hopefully, that can repeat this season, with the Royals winning the last 4 times these two teams meet up.
Seth Lugo takes the hill this afternoon, coming off his best start for the Royals since signing his contract extension. Lugo went 6 1/3 innings on Tuesday night against the Rangers and allowed just 2 solo homers, but otherwise looked like the Lugo of old.
Luke Maile will catch today, Salvy will be the designated hitter. Otherwise, it’s the prototypical Royals lineup most games.
The Tigers are red hot right now; they are clutch in almost every situation and have guys 1-9 in their order producing and coming through. Even their pinch hitters off the bench are rather productive.
Right-hander Jack Flaherty will get the start today, it’s been a tough year for the righty, but it’ll still be a tough challenge for the Royals lineup.
Here is the lineup for the Tigers in support of Flaherty.
First pitch is at 12:40 p.m. central time. The game can be watched on the FanDuel Sports Network or on locally for those in the Kansas City area, on KCTV5 or KSMO. Hopefully for the Royals, it’s a happy flight to Chicago.
