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The Kansas City Royals will attempt to keep their AL Central hopes alive on Sunday, and need a victory over the Chicago White Sox to force a possible Game 163 against the Detroit Tigers.
Yordano Ventura will start for Kansas City. Ventura has posted an impressive 3.07 ERA over 179 innings this season, along with a 3.59 FIP. The right-hander has finished the year strong, compiling 11 straight quality starts.
Chris Bassitt will take the mound for Chicago. Bassitt has only made four major league starts; the Royals chased him after 3 2/3 innings on September 16th, but he managed to toss 7 2/3 shutout innings against the Tigers in his next performance. His arm slot makes him susceptible to lefties, so expect Alex Gordon and Eric Hosmer to drive the bus today.
Lorenzo Cain has had a nice, BABIP-fueled offensive campaign this year, batting .303/.341/.415. His defensive numbers have helped him compile a 4.6 fWAR this year, second on the team to Gordon. He continues to hit third in the Royals lineup, which is brought to us by Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star:
God! Show Me Magic Lineup: Escobar 6, Aoki 9, Cain 8, Hosmer 3, Butler DH, Gordon 7, Perez 2, Infante 4, Moustakas 5, Ventura 1. #royals
— Andy McCullough (@McCulloughStar) September 28, 2014
And here's the White Sox lineup, which features Paul Konerko in his final game at U.S. Cellular field, courtesy Colleen Kane of the Chicago Tribune.
Final White Sox lineup of the season. Vs. Royals, 1:10 p.m. pic.twitter.com/uaKYwMloZ0
— Colleen Kane (@ChiTribKane) September 28, 2014
Let's go Royals, and let's go Minnesota Twins.