Kansas City @ Toronto preview

Kansas City at Toronto

Last Meeting ( Aug 31, 2013 ) Kansas City 2, Toronto 4

Prior to stepping foot North of the Border, the Kansas City Royals were making a spirited surge to remain in the discussion for the second wild card in the American League. After watching a five-game winning streak go by the boards, the Royals look to salvage the finale of a three-game set versus the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday. A pair of four-pitch walks with the bases loaded and two outs in the eighth proved fatal as Kansas City dropped a 4-2 decision on Saturday afternoon.

The Royals sit 6 1/2 games behind the Tampa Bay Rays in the race for the final postseason berth. Toronto hasn't been involved in that discussion for quite some time but has won five of its last six after a seven-game losing streak. Kansas City right-hander James Shields has enjoyed success in Canada, registering complete games in each of his last two visits.

TV: 1:07 p.m. ET, FSN (Kansas City), RSN (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH James Shields (9-8, 3.14 ERA) vs. Blue Jays LH J.A. Happ (3-4, 5.46)

Shields recorded his third straight victory Tuesday, allowing one run on four hits in 7 1/3 innings en route to a 6-1 triumph over Minnesota. The 31-year-old has made himself at home on the road, posting a 6-0 mark with a 1.97 ERA in his last seven starts. Shields owns an 11-6 career record against Toronto while limiting the Blue Jays to a .222 batting average.

Happ struggled out of the gate in his last start on Tuesday, yielding four runs in the first before exiting after yielding five over 4 2/3 innings in a loss to the New York Yankees. The 30-year-old has dropped two straight decisions and been inconsistent since returning from the disabled list. Happ has won both of his career starts against Kansas City, including an 8-4 triumph on April 12 in which he gave up four runs in five frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. Toronto INF Ryan Goins hit in his eighth consecutive game to begin his career, matching Jesse Barfield's streak in 1981. Goins is 12-for-30 since being called up from Triple-A Buffalo.

2. Kansas City 1B Eric Hosmer recorded two hits in each of the first two contests of the series. He has 50 multi-hit performances this season.

3. The Blue Jays are expected to activate RHPs Steve Delabar (shoulder) and Dustin McGowan (shoulder) from the disabled list on Sunday.

PREDICTION: Royals 3, Blue Jays 2