Royals at Twins, Gamethread 54

Can we please win a game in Minnesota?

The Kansas City Royals wrap up their brief six game road trip, in Minnesota this afternoon. After taking 2 of 3 in San Francisco, the Royals have been walked off the last two games in the Twin Cities.

The Royals 17 game winning streak when scoring 4 or more runs also came to an end yesterday as well, after they blew a 4-0 lead. It was the first loss when scoring 4 or more runs since Opening Day.

The Royals have lost 21 of their last 25 contests in Minnesota, and personally, a lot of them games seem like the Royals just blow a crucial play here or there. They just seem to find ways to lose in Minnesota. (End of personal rant.)

The Royals will look to avoid a sweep this afternoon, trotting out Kris Bubic to start the game. If the Royals can win today, it would be a 3-3 road trip, and considering that they played two really good teams, you’ll take that. Bubic was the only starter that didn’t start in the 4-game series in Kansas City in early April against the Twins, so this is his first appearance against them this year.

Nick Loftin also gets his first start and playing time in Kansas City this year, as he will be in left field. Salvy will DH again today, as he battles a team illness right now. Kyle Isbel will miss the game again, dealing with said illness, which means Drew Waters will start in centerfield again.

The Twins, who have hit three walk offs on their current homestand will send out Bailey Ober to start today. He’s been either really good or really bad in his previous starts against the Royals. His start in April in KC was a good one.

Hopefully, the Royals can win this afternoon, avoid a sweep, make it a 3-3 road trip and take a 4-3 season series advantage on a Twins team they won’t see again until August. They will then return home for the Reds and Tigers this next week.