Kansas City @ Detroit preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 16, 2013 ) Kansas City 3, Detroit 0

The Kansas City Royals attempt to ride the momentum of a doubleheader sweep when they visit the Detroit Tigers on Saturday in the fourth game of the five-game set. The series was viewed as Kansas City’s opportunity to make a move in the American League Central and the two Friday victories helped the Royals recover from Thursday’s series-opening defeat. The Tigers had just one run and six hits in the doubleheader.

Kansas City resides in third place in the division race but moved within 6 1/2 games of Detroit with the sweep. The Tigers' trio of Miguel Cabrera, Prince Fielder and Victor Martinez were a combined 3-for-22 in the doubleheader with Cabrera recording two of the hits. Kansas City first baseman Eric Hosmer homered in both games after going deep just once in his previous 21 games and Greg Holland saved both contests to run his streak to 27 consecutive conversions.

TV: 7:08 p.m. ET, FSN Kansas City, FSN Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Wade Davis (6-9, 5.29 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Doug Fister (10-6, 3.60)

Davis has been a disappointment most of the season but has pitched well over his last three starts. He has allowed just four runs in 18 1/3 innings during the stretch in which he is 2-0 following a four-start losing streak. Davis is 0-1 with a 4.35 ERA in two starts against Detroit this season.

Fister is 1-1 with a 2.57 ERA in two outings against Kansas City this season, including a victory on July 21 when he allowed one run and six hits in six innings. He lost to the Chicago White Sox in his last outing when he gave up four runs and eight hits in six innings. Fister is 3-4 with a 3.65 ERA in 10 career appearances (nine starts) against the Royals.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cabrera is 5-for-14 with two homers against Davis.

2. Kansas City DH Billy Butler was 3-for-7 in the doubleheader and is batting .362 in August.

3. Detroit was held to just one run in a doubleheader for the first time since being swept by the Chicago White Sox on Sept. 4, 2001.

PREDICTION: Royals 8, Tigers 6