Red Sox at Royals
The Boston Red Sox will try to close out a winning road trip when they finish a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals on Thursday afternoon. After beginning the trek with a pair of losses to the New York Yankees, the Red Sox have strung together three consecutive victories.
Chris Sale posted his third career shutout with a dominant three-hitter and Rafael Devers stayed hot with two hits and three RBIs as Boston coasted to an 8-0 win on Wednesday. Devers has gone 4-for-13 with six RBIs and six runs scored during the winning streak after recording a home run and a double in Wednesday's victory. Cheslor Cuthbert recorded one of Kansas City's three hits and is 7-for-19 in five games since being recalled from the minors. Danny Duffy carries an 0-5 record and 6.75 ERA in his career against the Red Sox into Thursday's start opposite Ryan Weber.
TV: 1:15 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), FS Kansas City
PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox RH Ryan Weber (1-1, 4.50 ERA) vs. Royals LH Danny Duffy (3-2, 4.05)
Weber will be making his third straight start following three relief appearances and looking to bounce back from a rocky outing against Cleveland last time out. He gave up seven runs over four innings in that one, falling to 1-5 lifetime as a starter. The 28-year-old Weber will be facing the Royals for the first time.
Duffy suffered his first loss in over a month when he gave up a season-high six runs in 5 1/3 innings at Texas on Friday. The 30-year-old Californian is 1-0 with a 1.50 ERA in three day starts this year. Mookie Betts (6-for-10, four home runs) has feasted on Duffy, who allowed five runs and 10 hits over 6 2/3 frames in his lone meeting with the Red Sox last year.
WALK-OFFS
1. Devers has collected 16 RBIs over his last 14 games.
2. Royals 2B Nicky Lopez has gone 4-for-42 over his last 10 contests.
3. Boston has scored eight runs in each game during its winning streak.