Of course it comes at the end of the season that the Cleveland Indians start to get exciting to watch again. Despite their 7-6 loss to the Kansas City Royals in 14 innings on Saturday, September 29, the team has more than entertained for the last handful of games.
On Sunday, the Indians will look to Zach McAllister to give them their first home series victory since July. While McAllister started out strong, he has gone 0-5 with a 5.75 ERA in his last eight starts. Kansas City will counter with Luke Hochevar who has been equally unimpressive going 1-6 with a 6.31 ERA in his last nine starts.
Both teams have had disappointing seasons. Kansas City is just two losses shy of having a 90-loss season in seven of their last eight years. While Clevelanders are upset about how this season has been a disappointment, at least we have not had to deal with the same frustration Kansas City fans have.
The matchup:
The Cleveland Indians will take on the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field located in Cleveland, Ohio on Sunday, September 30, 2012 at 1:05 p.m. EDT.
Zach McAllister (5-8, 4.25 ERA) will take the mound for the Indians facing off against the Royals' Luke Hochevar (8-15, 5.43 ERA).
The standings:
Cleveland enters the game with a 66-92 record and in fourth place in the American League Central. They are 35-42 when playing at home and have won five of their last 10 games.
Kansas City comes into the matchup with a 71-87 record and in third place in the American League Central. They are 35-45 when playing on the road and have won four of their last 10 games.
The series:
The season series is currently stands at 10-7 in favor of the Royals.
Where to watch or listen:
In Cleveland: Television- STO, Radio- WTAM, Indians Radio Network.
Nationwide: Television and Radio via MLB.TV (Television blackouts apply in Cleveland market).
The batting statistic leaders:
Cleveland: Michael Brantley- .288 batting average, Carlos Santana- 18 home runs, Carlos Santana- 76 runs batted in.
Kansas City: Billy Butler- .313 batting average, Billy Butler- 29 home runs, Billy Butler- 107 runs batted in.
More Cleveland Indians Commentary from Paul Rados:
Kansas City Royals at Cleveland Indians, September 29, 2012: Fan Preview
Kansas City Royals at Cleveland Indians, September 28, 2012: Fan Preview
Cleveland Indians fire Manny Acta, Sandy Alomar Jr. named interim manager: Fan Reaction
Cleveland Indians at Chicago White Sox, September 26, 2012: Fan Preview
Fan Take: Who's to blame for the Cleveland Indians collapse, what's next?
Sources:
All statistics provided by MLB.com
Paul Rados is an avid Cleveland Indians fan and a Featured Contributor for the Yahoo! Contributor Network. Follow him on Twitter @PSRados.
