Tampa Bay @ Kansas City preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 30, 2013 ) Tampa Bay 2, Kansas City 8

The Kansas City Royals are showing signs they could stick around for the long haul near the top of the American League Central. The Royals attempt to follow up a strong first month when they host the Tampa Bay Rays in the second of a three-game set Wednesday. Kansas City was 14-10 in April, capped by an 8-2 victory in the first game of the series, after going 6-15 last year. The Royals are getting solid pitching and good balance on offense, led by Alex Gordon.

The Rays continue their see-saw campaign and are 2-3 on a 10-game road trip. Tampa Bay has hit at least one homer in 15 straight games to match a club record, but are batting only .239 as a team. Matt Joyce is starting to warm up, going 6-for-17 with three homers, six RBIs and seven runs scored in the last four contests.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, SunSports (Tampa), Fox Sports Kansas City

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Jeremy Hellickson (1-2, 4.31 ERA) vs. Royals RH Luis Mendoza (0-1, 5.14)

Hellickson struggled in his last start after two impressive outings when he allowed two runs over 14 innings. The right-hander gave up five runs in six innings against the Chicago White Sox on Thursday in a 5-2 loss. The 2011 American League Rookie of the Year has walked 10 and struck out 26, giving up five homers in 31 1/3 innings. Hellickson is 1-0 with a 1.17 ERA in 15 1/3 innings against the Royals.

Mendoza has pitched only once since his last start April 12, allowing one hit in 2 1/3 scoreless innings against Detroit last Wednesday. The right-hander had a solid first start, giving up one run on six innings against Philadelphia, but was pounded for eight runs (seven earned) in his last. Mendoza lost his only appearance against Tampa Bay, surrendering two runs in 4 1/3 innings in 2012.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rays’ relievers have combined for 59 1/3 innings and Kansas City's have pitched 62 1/3 – the two lowest in the majors.

2. Tampa Bay 1B James Loney is 12-for-23 in his last seven contests.

3. Kansas City has stolen 22 bases, tied for second in the majors.

PREDICTION: Rays 4, Royals 2