Kansas City @ Tampa Bay preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 15, 2013 ) Kansas City 3, Tampa Bay 5

The Kansas City Royals have relied on their starting pitching to win eight of their last 11 games, but they haven’t been able to figure out Tampa Bay Rays right fielder Matt Joyce. They’ll get another chance Sunday, when they face the Rays in the finale of their four-game series. The Rays are looking for a split after Joyce homered for the fourth time in six games on Saturday to help Tampa Bay win for the first time in five meetings with the Royals this season.

Kansas City's Salvador Perez extended his hitting streak to 11 games on Saturday and belted his third home run while bolstering his All-Star Game credentials. The 23-year-old Perez trails in the All-Star balloting despite hitting .315 and playing stellar defense, but he still may find a way onto the team. “If I was All-Star manager, I’d darn sure take Salvador Perez,” Royals manager Ned Yost told reporters. "How can you not consider the kid?"

TV: 1:40 p.m. ET, FSN (Kansas City), Sun Sports (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Wade Davis (3-5, 5.37 ERA) vs. Rays RH Roberto Hernandez (4-6, 4.91)

Davis gave up two runs over 6 2/3 innings Tuesday against the Detroit Tigers and remained winless since May 15. Luke Scott is 5-for-22 against Davis, who was acquired from the Rays in the Wil Myers trade last December. The 27-year-old, who has given up two earned runs over his last two starts spanning 11 2/3 frames, was drafted by the Rays out of high school in 2004.

After not reaching 100 pitches in any of his previous five starts, Hernandez threw a season-high 122 against the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday. Hernandez allowed three runs while striking out seven, giving him two quality starts in his last three outings. Alex Gordon is 15-for-31 against the 32-year-old, who is 6-5 with a 4.80 ERA in 18 career games (16 starts) against the Royals.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tampa Bay RHP Alex Cobb was diagnosed with a mild concussion after being hit in the head by a line drive in Saturday’s game.

2. The Royals are seeking their first series win in Tampa Bay since Sept. 21-23, 2004.

3. Joyce has hit .316 (18-for-57) with four home runs in 14 games when batting leadoff this season.

PREDICTION: Rays 6, Royals 4