As the Cleveland Indians continue to close the gap in the American League Central they are set to take on the Kansas City Royals for a four game series.
The Cleveland Indians have faced American League Central opponents in three of their first four series to start the second half and this next series will make it four out of five. Cleveland will be in Kansas City to take on the Royals. Kansas City was just in Cleveland for three games last weekend, a series which saw Cleveland taking two of three. Cleveland averaged five runs per game while Kansas City only managed to average 3.33 runs per game.
Cleveland has been on fire since the All-Star festivities came to a close. The Indians have won 9 of their 13 games since the second half of the season got started. The only series that the Tribe lost was the first one against Minnesota. Even with that stumble out of the gate the Indians have closed the gap. Cleveland is now only two games back in the division and will have chance to continue closing the gap.
While Kansas City has a been on a bit of a good run (9-3 in their last 12 games), they did struggle against Cleveland last weekend. Cleveland has been the only team to really give the Royals trouble in the second half. Kansas City averages three more runs per game when they have not faced the Indians in the last 12 games. Cleveland’s ability to shut down a Royals offense that can be potent at times is quite impressive. This ability will be crucial if the Indians are to continue their rise in the standings.
