Kansas City @ Oakland preview

Last Meeting ( May 17, 2013 ) Kansas City 1, Oakland 2

A lack of offense has been the main reason why the Oakland Athletics lost eight of 10 entering a three-game home set against the Kansas City Royals. The offensive struggles continued in the series opener, but the Athletics managed to squeeze out a 2-1 victory on solo home runs by Josh Donaldson and Adam Rosales. Oakland has been limited to three runs or fewer in 10 of its last 14 games and faces a longtime nemesis Saturday in Royals right-hander Ervin Santana.

Kansas City broke out of an offensive funk by piling up 22 runs in a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels, but the Royals managed only five hits Friday. The team may have found a new leadoff hitter, however. David Lough, called up from Triple-A Omaha to replaced an injured Jarrod Dyson, had a pair of hits and drove in Kansas City's only run in his season debut. Lough, who was batting .340 at Omaha, also threw out a runner at second base from right field.

TV: 9:05 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Kansas City, Comcast SportsNet California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Ervin Santana (3-2, 2.79 ERA) vs. Athletics LH Tommy Milone (3-5, 3.71)

Santana had a five-start unbeaten streak halted by the New York Yankees in his last outing, when he permitted four runs on eight hits in 6 1/3 innings. He gave up a pair of homers, which has been his undoing in the past. They were only the second and third long balls allowed by Santana since his season debut. He could not keep the ball in the park a year ago, surrendering 39 homers in 30 starts. Santana has pitched exceptionally well against Oakland, posting a 14-5 mark and 2.03 ERA in 26 appearances (24 starts).

Milone is having trouble following up his solid 13-win rookie campaign, losing five consecutive starts after opening the season 3-0. He hasn't received much support from his teammates, who have produced six runs total and been held to one run or fewer four times during the five-game skid. Conversely, the Athletics piled up 28 runs in Milone's first three outings. He had one of his worst outings against Seattle on Sunday, giving up five runs while matching season lows in strikeouts (four) and innings (innings).

WALK-OFFS

1. Milone was 1-1 with a 1.20 ERA in two starts against the Royals last year, surrendering only two runs in 15 innings.

2. Royals LF Alex Gordon has hit safely in five straight and 11 of 12 games.

2. Athletics LF Yoenis Cespedes has homered twice in six career at-bats against Santana.

PREDICTION: Athletics 4, Royals 2