Kansas City @ Atlanta preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 16, 2013 ) Kansas City 3, Atlanta 6

The Kansas City Royals are leaps and bounds ahead of where they stood this time last year, when they started 3-10. Kansas City is 7-6 as it prepares to wrap up a two-game series at the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday, The Royals suffered through a 12-game losing streak and did not win their seventh game until May 2 last season. Kansas City's starting pitchers have totaled 83 1/3 innings through 13 games. Wade Davis looks to continue the rotation’s strong work in the finale.

Davis will be tasked with stopping a red-hot Braves’ squad. Not much has slowed down Atlanta through the season’s first 13 games. Owners of baseball’s best record and a 10-game winning streak -- their longest in 13 years -- the Braves hit the road again to start a three-city, 10-game road trip after playing the Royals. The Braves bolstered their lineup in the offseason by acquiring Justin Upton and his brother B.J. Upton, and they have slugged 25 home runs so far – including three in the decisive eighth inning of Tuesday’s 6-3 victory.

TV: 12:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, Fox Sports South (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Wade Davis (1-0, 4.00 ERA) vs. Braves LH Mike Minor (2-0, 0.69).

Davis came over with James Shields in an offseason trade with Tampa Bay. The right-hander pitched out of the bullpen last season, but the Royals returned him to starting. Davis did not allow a run and struck out six in beating the Twins on Wednesday, but has given up 13 hits – including two home runs – in nine innings.

Minor’s pitch count ended his last start at 101 pitches in 5 2/3 innings Wednesday at Miami, but the left-hander pitched very well. Minor held the Marlins to five hits, no runs and one walk. He allowed one run and five hits over 7 1/3 innings while striking seven in his first start April 5. Opponents are hitting .213 off Minor, who has 11 strikeouts and one walk in 13 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Davis has one career start against Atlanta, allowing three runs in five innings in a loss June 16, 2010.

2. The Braves own a 138-122 record in interleague play, second-best in the National League to St. Louis.

3. Atlanta LHP Luis Avilan suffered a leg injury in the ninth inning Tuesday, collapsing while throwing a pitch.

PREDICTION: Braves 5, Royals 3