In the first of a three-game series between the Minnesota Twins (11-32) and the Kansas City Royals (22-21) at Target Field, Ricky Nolasco (1-2, 4.74 ERA) and Ian Kennedy (4-3, 3.24 ERA) get the ball. The game starts at 8:10 p.m. ET on Monday, May. 23 and will air on FSKC and FSN.
In his last start, Nolasco pitched 5.0 innings, giving up four runs (two unearned), striking out six and walking one in a 6-3 loss to the Tigers. The Royals were victorious the last time Kennedy pitched. He had a good outing, pitching 5.2 innings, allowing two runs, striking out nine and walking one in a 3-2 victory over the Red Sox. Eric Hosmer (.311, 22 Rs, 8 HRs, 21 RBIs, 3 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run.
Notes
The Royals lost their last game by a one-run margin. In games decided by one run, the Twins are 4-9. The Royals are 7-5 in close games this season.
Having scored one run in their last game, the Twins are going to have to step it up if they want to win this matchup. The Royals have an 8-1 record in games where opponents scored one run or less.
When they are outhit, the Twins are 4-26. The Royals have a 4-12 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 26th in home runs, Kansas City has hit 38 this season. Minnesota ranks 20th with 40 home runs.
Ranking 30th, Kansas City is at the bottom of the league in walks, notching 95 this season. Minnesota ranks in the bottom half at 19th with 126.
When the Twins hit at least one home run, they are 9-19. When the Royals hit at least one homer, they have a 17-11 record.
