By Fred Liggett
FredL@lstribune.net

The Kansas City Royals returned home this week for a 6 game home stand that will see the team host two First place teams. Up first the American League Central division leading Cleveland Indians, then over the weekend the American League East division leading Boston Red Sox.

The Royals began the 3 game series with Cleveland on Monday night going up against Corey Kluber the 2017 AL Cy young award winner. The Royals like many teams came up short against Kluber in a 9-3 loss. Tuesday night provided Royals fans with another T-Shirt Tuesday promotion. The Indians Yan Gomes hit a Grand Slam off Royals pitcher Danny Duffy en route to a 6-4 win. The Royals came back on Wednesday and engaged the visitors from Ohio in a pitching duel. The Royals came up short again in a 3-2 loss but fans did get to see Alex Gordon steal home for one of the team’s runs. The steal of home was the first for the Royals since Alex Rios did it back on July 20, 2015.

While there was action on the field during the week the Royals made some news off the field too. On Monday the team agreed to terms with Right handed pitcher Jackson Kowar a 1st round pick in the recent 2018 draft. On Tuesday the team introduced top draft pick Brady Singer also a Right handed pitcher. Then Wednesday the Royals placed RHP Ian Kennedy on the disabled list and recalled Trevor Oaks to start in his place on Wednesday night.

The Royals following a day off Thursday host the AL East leading Boston Red Sox for a 3 game weekend series. The Red Sox have their top 3 pitchers throwing against the Royals in Lefties Chris Sale & David Price along with Right hander Rick Porcello. Fans make note Saturday night’s game at 6:05 will be shown on Fox network, Fox 4 in Kansas City. Kenny Albert & ex-KC Royal David Cone will be on hand to broadcast the game. The series with the Red Sox will conclude the Royals home schedule before the MLB All Star break.