Fri May 09 22:50:00 UTC 2025: **Red Sox Begin Road Trip Against Hot-Streaking Royals**
BOSTON – Riding a two-game winning streak against the Rangers, the Boston Red Sox embark on a six-game road trip, starting with a three-game series against a surging Kansas City Royals team. The Red Sox secured their latest victory with a combined five-hit shutout, featuring strong pitching performances from Brayan Bello, Justin Slaten, Garrett Whitlock, and Liam Hendriks.
However, they face a formidable challenge in the Royals, who are currently on a six-game winning streak and have won nine of their last ten. Kansas City boasts a potent offense, evidenced by their recent four-game sweep of the White Sox (19-4) and a 17-hit performance in their Thursday win. The Royals have also recorded shutouts in six of their last 13 games.
The opening game will feature a pitching matchup between Red Sox RHP Hunter Dobbins (2-1, 3.78 ERA) and Royals RHP Michael Lorenzen (3-3, 4.23 ERA). This will be Dobbins’ first career start against the Royals, while Lorenzen has a limited history against the Red Sox, having pitched one-third of an inning in relief against them in 2017.
The Red Sox will look to maintain their offensive momentum, having hit 35 home runs in their last 23 games, a total tied with the Yankees for the most in MLB during that span. Their success, however, is heavily dependent on their ability to score runs; they are 17-6 when scoring four or more runs but just 3-13 when scoring three or fewer. Their speed also remains a key asset, leading the American League with 45 stolen bases.
The Royals, meanwhile, will be looking to continue their hot streak, with players like Bobby Witt Jr. (who recently had his eighth four-hit game) leading the charge. The series promises to be a compelling matchup between two teams in contrasting forms.
First Piper 