Reds vs Royals: Preview, pitching matchups and prediction

Reds second baseman returns to where it all began

For the first time in his decade long career, Mike Moustakas will walk into the visitor’s clubhouse at Kauffman Stadium. Unfortunately, Moose will not receive the homecoming cheers from the fans in Kansas City he so richly deserves on this visit.

The second overall pick of the 2007 MLB Draft by the Kansas City Royals, Moustakas spent the first seven and a half years of his MLB career occupying the hot corner in KC. To say Mike Moustakas had a successful run as a member of the Royals would be an understatement.

A two-time All-Star with the club, Moustakas ranks ninth in franchise history with 139 homers. Next, he collected 858 hits, knocked in 441 and scored 388 runs while wearing the Royal blue. However, what Moustakas will be remembered for most is being part of the nucleus that brought postseason baseball back to Kansas City.

The Royals made two World Series appearances during Moose’s tenure and captured the grand prize in the 2015 season. Mike Moustakas was at his best in the 2015 Fall Classic against the New York Mets. Hitting .304 with three RBIs, Moustakas was vital in helping the Royals dispatch the Mets in five games and claiming the first World Series for the franchise since the 1985 season.

Prediction

Honestly, both teams probably felt like they let one game get away last week in Cincinnati. However, with Luis Castillo and Trevor Bauer both taking the mound, the Reds should have a decided advantage both nights.

Look for the Redleg pitching staff to quiet the KC bats, while  Moustakas roams his former stomping grounds and has a successful homecoming. The Reds will sweep the brief two-game set before traveling down I-70 to visit their division rival the St. Louis Cardinals.