Thomas Campbell-USA Today Sports
The Kansas City Royals are making some noise here in early August and this past weekend served as their biggest statement of the season. The Royals took three out of four from one of baseball’s top threats this season, pulling to within 4.5 games of the second AL wild card spot.
The team that was deflected by Kansas City this past weekend was none other than the Boston Red Sox, who need to get back on track this week as they hit the road for a three-game stint with the Toronto Blue Jays. Despite dropping three of four in Kansas City, the Red Sox are still sitting atop the AL East division, clinging to a three game lead over those pesky Tampa Bay Rays. In addition, the Baltimore Orioles have moved themselves even closer to the divisional lead by creeping within 4.5 games of Boston at this juncture in the season.
Ryan Dempster will take the hill for Boston on Tuesday night, as the Red Sox look to get back to their winnings ways on the road. It’s been a lackluster season to say the least for the Blue Jays, but either way this is an important series for Boston. With that three game lead in the AL East at the forefront, the Red Sox are facing a crucial stretch between now and the start of September. Any additional comfort room that they can build between now and then will be huge.
It starts on Tuesday in Toronto for Dempster and the Sox.
Follow Paul Seaver on Twitter: @PaulSeaverRS
