Royals Tickets Down Nearly 50% For Series Vs A’s
The Kansas City Royals recently overtook the Detroit Tigers for the top spot in the AL Central on the strength of an eight-game winning streak. But that streak might be coming to an end with the Oakland Athletics the next team on the Royals schedule. The A’s have led the majors in both wins and run differential for most of the season, a distinction they still hold at this point in August. Their run differential is still the only figure near +100 in the league, and it’s been that way most of the year. Royals tickets are averaging $30 for the series, which is close to 50 percent below what their season average is despite the quality of the opponent. Below is a breakdown of each upcoming game…
8/12 – OAK Jon Lester vs. KC Jeremy Guthrie | Avg. Price: $39 | Get-in Price: $7
The first game of the series is the most expensive with a $39 average price and $7 get-in for Royals vs. A’s tickets. It’s fitting that Jon Lester is making the start for the A’s, as he was one of the premier pickups at the trade deadline. In only two starts, Lester hasn’t disappointed pitching to a sub-2.00 ERA, and already compiling a 0.6 WAR. That WAR figure is the same Tommy Milone put together in 16 starts when he was with the club. The game is also T-shirt Tuesday, with fans getting a Royals t-shirt.
8/13 – OAK Scott Kazmir vs. KC Jason Vargas | Avg. Price: $25 | Get-in Price: $9
The entire Royals rotation has been good, if mostly unspectacular, but that is something most teams would take. Jason Vargas is part of that, posting a 3.68 ERA in 21 starts for the Royals. He has over a 3.00 K/BB ratio thanks to a very low walk rate, and has a good 1.9 WAR to boot. The average price of the game is $25 and the get-in is $9.
8/14 – OAK Jeff Samardzija vs. KC James Shields | Avg. Price: $26 | Get-in Price: $7
It’s a solid pitcher for both sides in Thursday’s game with James Shields starting for the Royals and Jeff Samardzija starting for the A’s. Shields has been the Royals best starter with a 3.25 ERA and 2.6 WAR. He has also thrown the most innings, has the most wins, and has the best walk rate on the team. And only Yordano Ventura has a better strikeout rate than Shields this season. Meanwhile, Samardzija has been solid for the A’s, putting up a 0.6 WAR in seven starts with a 3.08 ERA and a very low walk rate. Tickets are averaging $26 for the game with a get-in price of $7.
