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The Kansas City Royals will attempt to salvage a series split this afternoon when they face the Boston Red Sox at Kauffman Stadium.
Jason Vargas will start the game for the Royals. Vargas has exceeded almost everyone's expectations this season, posting a 3.25 ERA with a 3.76 FIP. His 2.6 WAR give him the second most wins by a starting pitcher on the team, trailing only James Shields. Wade Davis, amazingly, has 2.8 WAR this year.
Joe Kelly will take the mound for the Red Sox. Kelly was traded to Boston earlier this season from the St. Louis Cardinals, along with Allen Craig, for John Lackey. The right-hander has not pitched particularly well in either league this season, posting a 4.04 ERA with a 4.53 ERA. Kelly struggles with walks and doesn't strike a ton of guys out, which isn't a great recipe for success. He does own an impressive GB% and normally manages to keep the ball in the park.
Ned Yost is trotting out the same lineup today that scored seven runs yesterday, so this game is pretty much over. The Red Sox are trembling thinking about facing Alcides Escobar more than any other Royal today.