Miami @ Kansas City preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 13, 2013 ) Miami 1, Kansas City 0

The Miami Marlins close out a nine-game road trip on Wednesday against the Kansas City Royals, who are seeking their eighth consecutive series win. Kansas City remained four games back of Tampa Bay for the second wild-card spot in the American League after Miami prevailed 1-0 in 10 innings on Tuesday. Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar collected two hits and is batting .447 (17-for-38) during his season-high 10-game hitting streak.

Miami is 2-6 on its road trip, but the starting rotation continues to offer hope for the future. Rookie ace Jose Fernandez tossed seven scoreless innings on Tuesday, and Miami starters have allowed three or fewer runs in 13 of the last 16 games. The Marlins’ young outfield is also full of promise, with rookie left fielder Christian Yelich batting .370 over his last 13 games.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, FSN Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Jacob Turner (3-4, 2.95 ERA) vs. Royals RH Ervin Santana (8-6, 3.25)

Turner aims for his first win since July 10 while making his second career start against Kansas City. The 22-year-old posted a 2.12 ERA over five starts in June, but he’s surrendered a total of nine earned runs over his last three starts. Turner allowed three home runs in his last start after yielding three home runs combined over his previous 12 outings.

Santana has been remarkably consistent this season, but he was rocked for six runs on nine hits over 3 2/3 innings last Friday against Boston. The 30-year-old boasts a career record of 21-9 along with a 4.00 ERA in the month of August. He’s 13-9 with a 3.84 ERA over 29 career interleague starts, including 1-1 in three starts this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Royals 3B Mike Moustakas missed Tuesday’s game with a strained left calf and is listed as day-to-day.

2. Miami has an off-day before hosting the Giants on Friday, while Kansas City begins a five-game, four-day series in Detroit on Thursday.

3. Kansas City DH Billy Butler is batting .464 (13-for-28) during his seven-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Royals 6, Marlins 2