Game 20 Preview - Cleveland vs. Kansas City

The Kansas City Royals and the Cleveland Indians will begin their three-game series on Saturday after having the originally scheduled opener postponed because of rain.

The two starters scheduled to pitch last night, Ervin Santana and Scott Kazmir, will take the mound for their respective teams tonight. Retro wrote a nice preview about the two pitchers last night, so check that out if you didn't read it last night.

Kazmir had an absolutely horrendous first start of the season, allowing six runs in 3.1 innings against the Houston Astros. The southpaw allowed eight hits and issued three walks, but escaped with a no decision as the team's offense scored 19 runs.

Cleveland's offense has been one of the best in baseball this season, hitting 10 percent above league-average as a team. Carlos Santana has been the catalyst for the team, hitting .352.435/.704 in his first 62 plate appearances this season. Mark Reynolds and Nick Swisher have also hit extremely well in the first three weeks of the season.

The Indians are 8-11 on the season, currently sitting in last place in the AL Central three games behind the Royals for first place. While it's nice to say that the first place Royals are facing the last place Indians, a three-game lead in the month of April tells us nothing about how the team's will finish at the end of the season.

Santana will hope to continue his strike throwing ways against Cleveland. The Indians have the sixth-highest walk rate in baseball, and will take a free pass of the veteran is off his game tonight. Santana will hopefully use Cleveland's patience against their hitters, jumping out to advantageous counts and finishing hitters with his slier.

Game Time: 6:10 p.m. CT

Location: Kauffman Stadium

TV: FSKC