Royals at Athletics
The Kansas City Royals made an impressive comeback late in Tuesday's contest but were unable to prevent a better one and had their three-game winning streak halted. Kansas City looks to end its eight-game road trip on a high note when it visits the Oakland Athletics for the rubber match of their three-game series.
The Royals squandered an early three-run advantage on Tuesday but scored five runs on three homers in the eighth inning to grab an 8-4 lead before yielding six runs in the bottom half. The club dropped to 3-4 on its trek and sits one-half game behind the Los Angeles Angels for the second wild-card spot in the American League. Oakland answered Kansas City with a six-run eighth that was highlighted by Matt Joyce's three-run double. Joyce also belted one of the Athletics' three home runs to finish with four RBIs and help the team improve to 3-5 on its nine-game homestand.
TV: 3:35 p.m. ET, FSN Kansas City
PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals LH Danny Duffy (7-8, 3.68 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Paul Blackburn (3-1, 3.02)
Duffy allowed just one run in each of his final two starts in July but has struggled this month, surrendering 12 runs - eight earned - and 14 hits over 12 innings in losses to Seattle and the Chicago White Sox. The 28-year-old Californian has demonstrated good control since the end of May, issuing a total of six walks in 51 1/3 frames while registering 47 strikeouts. Duffy has yet to lose to Oakland, going 3-0 with a 2.84 ERA in five starts and one relief appearance.
Blackburn extended his unbeaten streak to four starts Friday as he escaped with a no-decision after surrendering four runs and 10 hits in 5 2/3 innings against Baltimore. The 23-year-old rookie from the Golden State allowed a home run in that outing, ending his streak of three turns without serving up a blast. Blackburn, who will be facing Kansas City for the first time, has posted a 4.50 ERA in four starts at home as opposed to a 1.69 mark in four road outings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Athletics LF Khris Davis hit his 33rd homer on Tuesday, leaving him nine shy of matching the career high he set last year.
2. Kansas City 1B Eric Hosmer homered and drove in four runs Tuesday and has gone 6-for-14 during his four-game hitting streak.
3. Oakland sent cash to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for RHP Chris Hatcher, who has not pitched since June 22 due to thoracic inflammation.