MLB on 5 Live Sports Extra: Royals v Cardinals

Tonight’s game on BBC 5 Live Sports Extra is an interleague match-up from the Midwest between the Kansas City Royals and St. Louis Cardinals.  Nat Coombs and Josh Chetwynd are scheduled to be on air from 18.30.

St. Louis (39-33) enter the game second in the NL Central, one game behind the Milwaukee Brewers, while Kansas City (31-40) are fourth in the AL Central with the Minnesota Twins quickly catching up on them.

It should be an entertaining contest this evening.  The three-game series is tied at 1-1 heading into the final match. 

A Matt Holliday home run in the eighth inning yesterday snapped a seven-game losing streak for the Cardinals as they took a 5-4 victory one day after the Royals had beaten them by the same scoreline.

The Cardinals have been the kings of the Midwest for over a decade, but the Royals are on a rebuilding mission. 

First baseman Eric Hosmer and third baseman Mike Moustakas, two of their star prospects, have recently been called up to the Big Leagues to join Billy Butler (reduced to pinch hitting duties during the DH-less play at the National League park) and Alex Gordon to form a home-grown nucleus to their batting lineup.  

Manager Ned Yost is able to throw one flame-throwing reliever after another at the opposition with ‘Tiny’ Tim Collins, Aaron Crow, Blake Wood, Louis Coleman and Everett Teaford currently holding the spots in front of closer Joakim Soria, who looks to be finding some form after a rough start to the season.

The Royals’ starting rotation is a work in progress after trading away their previous ace Zack Greinke over the offseason, but their starting pitcher today should be part of the solution.  Danny Duffy is a left-hander of much promise. 

His path to the Big Leagues hasn’t been completely smooth, he even briefly quit the game at the start of last season; however his fastball and changeup – alongside a developing breaking ball – give him every chance of being a solid Major Leaguer.  He recorded his first Big League win in his last outing against the A’s and this will be his seventh Major League start. 

As for the Cardinals, they will match one lefty with another by sending Jaime Garcia to the mound. He was a revelation in his rookie season last year and he has continued that form into 2011.  Garcia ended up with a no-decision in his last outing despite giving his team another solid start.  He struck out seven and gave up just two earned runs over six innings against the Washington Nationals.

The MLB show is preceded by Day Four of the England – Sri Lanka Test match.  It’s been a bit of a washout at the Rose Bowl and, with the weather forecast not looking good for tomorrow, it’s possible that they might be playing on for later than usual if the rain and light holds up. 

However, first pitch is set for 19.15 BST so we should be fine for joining the game without missing any of the action.

You can listen to the game via Digital Radio, Digital TV or online on the BBC website (UK residents only). Don’t forget to join up to the MLB on 5 Live Facebook group page.