(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Riding the wave of a three-game home win streak, the Kansas City Royals are preparing to host the Seattle Mariners and continue their impressive performance at home. The Royals, currently second in the AL Central with a 39-26 record, have shown remarkable determination and skill, particularly in their home games, where they boast a 24-10 record.
Upcoming Game: Pitching Matchup and Timings
As they prepare for Sunday’s showdown at 2:10 p.m. EDT, the Royals are looking to leverage their home advantage to extend their winning streak. The team has demonstrated a formidable presence at the plate, especially when hitting multiple home runs, with a 13-5 record in such games.
Pitchers in the Spotlight
Pitching for the Royals will be Cole Ragans, who brings a 4-4 record with a 3.21 ERA and 89 strikeouts to the mound. However, his counterpart from the Mariners, George Kirby, matches up with a 5-5 record, a 4.05 ERA, and 74 strikeouts. This pitching duel is expected to be a central factor in the outcome of the game.
Mariners’ Road to Recovery
The Mariners, leading the AL West with a 36-30 record, have had their challenges on the road, holding a 15-19 away record. However, they’ve proven their ability to score, going 20-2 in games where they’ve scored five or more runs. This offensive skills will be crucial as they face a Royals team that has found its rhythm at home.
Players to Watch
Key players to watch include the Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr., who has been a consistent performer with 16 doubles, seven triples, and 11 home runs. Vinnie Pasquantino has also been on a hot streak, hitting .333 over the last 10 games with five doubles and two home runs. For the Mariners, Julio Rodriguez and Ty France have been instrumental, with Rodriguez contributing five doubles and five home runs, and France hitting .290 with four doubles and a home run over their last 10 games.
Injury Report
Both teams have faced injuries that could impact their rosters, with the Royals’ Michael Wacha, Michael Massey, Josh Taylor, Kris Bubic, and Kyle Wright on the injured list while the Mariners have concerns of their own, with Ty France day-to-day and several players on the 15-Day and 60-Day IL.
Season Series and Expectations
As the teams match up for the sixth time this season, with the Royals leading the season series 3-2, fans can expect a competitive game filled with strategic plays and standout performances. Moreover, with both teams eager to assert their dominance, this game is set to be a highlight of the weekend’s sports action.
