Kansas City @ Chicago preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 31, 2018 ) Kansas City 4, Chi. White Sox 2

Matt Davidson has routinely inflicted damage against Kansas City pitching this season and will look to continue the power display when the Chicago White Sox host the Royals on Wednesday for the middle contest of their three-game series. Davidson hit a two-run homer in Tuesday's 4-2 loss, giving him eight blasts against the Royals this season.

Davidson is a scorching-hot 16-for-37 with 14 RBIs against Kansas City this year, while his eight homers versus one opponent in a single season is tied for fourth-best in that category in franchise history. The 24-year-old has hit a total of eight shots against the rest of the league. Ryan O'Hearn and Brett Phillips each belted a two-run homer as Kansas City won for just the second time in six games, with the former's blast being the first of his career. Alex Gordon registered his second two-hit performance in three starts in the opener as the Royals sent the White Sox to their fifth loss in six contests.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FS Kansas City, NBCS Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Jakob Junis (5-11, 5.06 ERA) vs. White Sox RH Dylan Covey (4-6, 5.40)

Junis has dropped eight straight starts and is winless in 10 outings since defeating the New York Yankees on May 18. The 25-year-old lost to the Yankees in his most recent turn as he gave up seven runs - three earned - and nine hits over 4 2/3 innings. Junis was roughed up in his lone career start against the White Sox as he surrendered six runs and six hits while serving up five homers - two to Davidson - over 5 2/3 frames in a loss on April 26.

Covey has been torched regularly of late while going 1-5 with an 8.73 ERA and eight homers allowed over his last seven turns. The 26-year-old lost to the Los Angeles Angels in his last outing as he yielded six runs and nine hits in 4 2/3 innings. Covey is 0-4 with a 6.04 ERA in five career starts against the Royals, including a loss on April 28 in which he allowed four runs and seven hits over six innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. The White Sox are 7-4 against the Royals this season despite Tuesday's setback.

2. Kansas City recalled O'Hearn from Triple-A Omaha prior to the series opener, placed OF Brian Goodwin (groin) on the 10-day disabled list and transferred INF Cheslor Cuthbert (back) to the 60-day DL.

3. Chicago acquired LHP Hunter Schryver from Tampa Bay on Tuesday for international bonus money and released RHP Chris Volstad.

PREDICTION: White Sox 9, Royals 7