Gamethread 91: Royals at Diamondbacks

A chance to win a series, and have a winning road trip

The Royals are wrapping up their 7-game road trip out west, looking to win the rubber match in the desert, against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Royals mashed their way to a 9-3 win on Friday night, but were quiet yesterday, and allowed too many free passes in a 7-1 loss yesterday.

The Royals currently are 3-3 on this road trip, so the opportunity to win the series, and having a winning road trip would feel good, going into your last 6 games before the All-Star Break, all at home. The Royals are in 3rd place in the AL Central, 14.0 games back of the Tigers. They are currently 5.5 games out of the wild card currently, but they still have plenty of games against teams ahead of them in the standings.

As for today, it’s game 13 of 16 days in a row, so Maikel Garcia is getting the day off. Nick Loftin slots in at 3rd base. Micheal Lorenzen will get the start. Freddy Fermin will catch for the 3rd straight game; he has back-to-back multi-hit games. Here is the rest of the Royals lineup today.

As for the Diamondbacks, they just got star outfielder Corbin Carroll back yesterday. He will play right field and lead off again today. Ketel Marte, starting 2nd baseman for the National League in the All-Star Game, is back in the lineup, after an off day yesterday. Arizona is 44-45 on the season, and 3.5 games out of the last Wild Card spot. Righty Anthony DeSclafani will start today for the D-Backs. The 35-year-old has thrown just 9 ¹⁄₃ innings at the MLB level this season, going no longer than 3 innings in an appearance.

Hopefully the Royals can take the series. First pitch is at 3:10 p.m. CT.