With the streaking Red Sox playing host to the wilting Kansas City nine, a .500 [or worse] record is a distinct possibility by the end of the weekend for the visiting Royals.
The reigning World Champs and Cardinal-crushing Rouge Stockings have won five of their last six games, including last night's win over the Royals' ace James Shields and Scott Downs.
The Royals, who were still in first place in the AL Central after their June 19th loss against Detroit, have dropped seven of their last ten, are 6.5 games behind Detroit, and are now tied with the Racists for second place in the division.
The Royals will send DIPS-defying Danny Duffy to the mound. The wrong-handed hurler still possesses an ERA (2.76) more than a full run lower than his FIP (3.80) and roughly a run-and-a-half lower than his xFIP (4.36) and SIERA (4.19). Given his penchant for pitch inefficiency, it will take an uncharacteristically direct approach to his opponents to dispatch of them and make it through the sixth inning.
In his 37.1 IP, Boston's starter Rubby de la Rosa owns a 2.89 ERA, 3.75 FIP, 3.00 xFIP, and 3.19 SIERA with a 4.13 K/BB.
Will the Royals' single train be able to triumph over de la Rosa?
Time will tell.