Kansas City @ Cleveland preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 18, 2013 ) Kansas City 3, Cleveland 4

The Cleveland Indians appeared to be fading away earlier this month, losing eight straight games while allowing an average of more than six runs. The Indians got off the deck and can take their third straight series on Wednesday when they host the Kansas City Royals in the finale of a three-game set. Cleveland rallied to win 4-3 on Tuesday for its fifth victory in seven games and Jason Kipnis has been a catalyst, producing a run-scoring double for his ninth RBI in 12 games.

The Royals are still on an 11-3 run and their bullpen has rarely failed, leading the majors with a 2.77 ERA. Kansas City’s offense has begun to perk up in June and it would be a boost if Mike Moustakas, who is batting .189, could build on the two hits in his last game. Alex Gordon leads the team in hits, homers and is second with 36 RBIs.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Kansas City, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Luis Mendoza (2-3, 4.08 ERA) vs. Indians RH Justin Masterson (8-5, 3.52)

Mendoza allowed two runs over six innings against Tampa Bay in his last start, earning his first victory in about a month. The right-hander from Mexico is 2-1 in his last seven outings, yielding three runs or fewer in all of them. Mendoza is 3-1 in five games (four starts) in his career against Cleveland with a 4.50 ERA and Jason Giambi has a grand slam against him in 2008 while a member of the New York Yankees.

Masterson is only 1-3 over his last five starts, but gave up only one run and two hits over seven innings without getting a decision in his last outing against Washington. The 28-year-old, who surrendered seven runs in 6 1/3 innings at Kansas City on April 28, has 102 strikeouts in 102 1/3 innings. Gordon is 12-for-30 with a homer against Masterson, who is 4-6 in 18 career games (13 starts) versus the Royals with a 5.03 ERA.

WALK-OFFS

1. Royals DH Billy Butler has 108 career homers, one shy of tying Bo Jackson for 10th place in the team’s all-time list.

2. The Indians are 19-8 at home since April 30 after a 2-6 start at Progressive Field.

3. Kansas City leads the majors with 23 comeback victories, including one against the Indians on Monday.

PREDICTION: Indians 6, Royals 2