Jose Berrios (2-4, 9.24 ERA) and the Minnesota Twins (51-86) go up against Ian Kennedy (9-9, 3.66 ERA) and the Kansas City Royals (70-66) in the first of a three-game division series at Target Field. The game starts at 2:10 p.m. ET on Monday, Sep. 5 and will air on FSKC and FSN.
In his last start, Berrios pitched 5.0 innings, allowing six runs (one unearned), striking out three and walking five in an 8-5 loss to the Tigers. Brian Dozier (.276, 89 Rs, 35 HRs, 87 RBIs, 13 SBs) played well again yesterday, going 3 for 6 with one run, one home run, and two RBIs. The Royals were unsuccessful against the Yankees 5-4 the last time Kennedy pitched. He went 6.1 innings, giving up four runs, striking out one and walking two. Kendrys Morales (.252, 51 Rs, 22 HRs, 64 RBIs) has been doing well offensively for the Royals, going 2 for 4 yesterday with one run.
Notes
In their last game, the Royals lost by a margin of one run. The Twins are 11-24 in one-run games. The Royals have a 20-19 record in close games.
When leading after seven innings, Kansas City is 26-31, while Minnesota is 27-34.
The Royals are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Twins have a 3-22 record when opponents give up one walk or less.
When they outhit their opponents, the Twins are 37-12. The Royals have a 53-17 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 26th in runs, Kansas City has earned 552 this season. Minnesota ranks ninth with 637 runs.
Ranking 26th, Kansas City is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.712). Minnesota ranks in the top half at 13th with an OPS of .752.
When the Royals allow at least one home run, they are 43-54. When the Twins allow one or more homers, they have a 37-71 record.
