Baltimore @ Kansas City preview

Last Meeting ( May 9, 2013 ) Kansas City 6, Baltimore 2

The Baltimore Orioles rank among the worst teams in the majors in ERA as well as runs and hits allowed, but the team's starting rotation has played a pivotal role during their current hot streak. The Orioles will carry a four-game winning streak into Monday's opener of a four-game series at the Kansas City Royals. Baltimore is 7-1 in its last eight games, receiving seven quality starts in that span to move a season-high 13 games over .500.

The Royals skidded into the All-Star break with a five-game losing streak, but they regrouped over the weekend by taking two of three at home from American League Central leader Detroit. The Royals were denied a series sweep in a 4-1 defeat on Sunday, a loss that dropped them five games below .500 and seven games back of the Tigers. Designated hitter Billy Butler has hit in five straight contests and is batting .317 in 43 games versus Baltimore.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Baltimore), FSN Kansas City

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Scott Feldman (8-7, 3.86 ERA) vs. Royals RH Wade Davis (4-8, 5.89)

Feldman is making his fourth start for Baltimore since he was acquired from the Chicago Cubs last month. He rebounded from an awful performance against Texas on July 8 by limiting Toronto to three runs over 7 1/3 innings to pick up the victory his last time out. The 30-year-old Feldman saw plenty of the Royals during his eight seasons with Texas, posting a 3-4 record and 4.03 ERA in 10 starts against them.

Davis is in a tailspin, losing his last three starts prior to the All-Star break while surrendering 17 runs in 13 innings. The offseason acquisition from Tampa Bay is 1-5 over his last 10 starts, even though he has permitted three earned runs or fewer seven times in that span. The Royals haven't provided much support for Davis, failing to produce more than three runs in seven of his last nine outings.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Orioles won two of three from the Royals in Baltimore in early May.

2. Butler is 5-for-24 lifetime versus Feldman.

3. Orioles SS J.J. Hardy is 8-for-22 with three doubles and three RBIs versus Davis.

PREDICTION: Orioles 6, Royals 4