Mariners at Royals
The Kansas City Royals, who have little margin for error in the American League wild-card chase, attempt to rebound from a devastating loss when they close a four-game series against the visiting Seattle Mariners on Thursday. Kansas City lost 6-4 on Wednesday when Kendrys Morales pounded a two-out homer in the ninth inning. The defeat dropped the Royals 5 1/2 games behind the Tampa Bay Rays for the second AL wild-card spot.
Seattle scored more than three runs for just the third time in 13 games while winning on Wednesday. The decisive blast was Morales’ first since August 2 as the veteran designated hitter has cooled down considerably since belting seven homers in July. Kansas City's Eric Hosmer is 11-for-28 with six walks during an eight-game hitting streak that has raised his average to .299.
TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Seattle)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners LH Joe Saunders (11-13, 4.92 ERA) vs. Royals RH Jeremy Guthrie (13-10, 4.08)
Saunders has fared well against the Royals, posting a 4-0 record and 2.81 ERA in seven career starts. He is just 3-5 with a 6.56 ERA in nine outings since the All-Star break, giving up 74 hits and 23 walks in 48 innings. Saunders defeated Houston in his last turn as he allowed one unearned run and six hits in 5 1/3 frames.
Guthrie has recorded just one victory in his last five starts and settled for a no-decision in his last outing, when he allowed one run and eight hits in seven innings against Toronto. He traditionally has struggled against Seattle, going 2-7 with a 4.67 ERA in 11 career starts. Guthrie has served up 25 homers but has kept the ball in the yard in each of his last two outings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Mariners 1B Justin Smoak has three hits in his last two games after enduring a 3-for-47 slump.
2. Royals DH Billy Butler is 3-for-27 over his last seven contests.
3. Seattle OF Raul Ibanez is 4-for-8 over his last two games after hitting just .235 with one homer and four RBIs in August.