Boston Red Sox v. Kansas City Royals
Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, MO
The Kanas City Royals are one of baseball's surprise stories this season, leading the American League Central with a 59-54 record. They lead the Minnesota Twins (57-54) by one game and the Detroit Tigers (56-56) by two and one half.
The Royals are currently second in the AL in batting (.276) and 6th in runs scored (518). Billy Butler (.324, 14 HRs, 55 RBIs) is having a breakout season, already surpassing last his rookie numbers from 2007. In addition, Kelly Shoppach, finally getting a full-time chance to catch daily, has responded with a .321 average to go along with 14 HRs and a team-leading 64 RBIs. Jose Guillen (.284, 13, 39) and David DeJesus (.318, 8, 51) are both on the disabled list and are not expected back for the series.
Their pitching staff has struggled, posting a 4.73 ERA, 13th best in the AL. Twenty-four year old Luke Hochevar, drafted first overall in the 2006 Entry Draft, has taken over the role of staff ace in Zack Grienke's absence. In his first full season in the majors, Hochevar has posted a 4-11 record with a 4.30 ERA and a 1.52 WHIP in 22 starts after beginning the year in Omaha (3 GS, 1-2, 1.40 ERA, 1.09 WHIP).
Pitching Matchups:
8/4: Josh Beckett (11-4, 3.67 ERA) v. Gil Meche (6-10, 4.76)
8/5: Daisuke Matsuzaka (14-6, 3.04) v. Brett Tomko (3-0, 7.38)
8/6: Jon Lester (9-6, 4.09) v. Brian Bannister (8-3, 5.00)
This season, against the Royals, the Sox have won all four meetings.