Royals at Nationals
The Washington Nationals seek their ninth victory in the past 10 games when they host the Kansas City Royals on Friday in the opener of a three-game series. Washington was scuffling along with a 19-31 record through 50 games but has since been scorching hot with 26 wins in 36 contests to reach a season-best four games above .500.
Washington is fresh off a three-game sweep of the Miami Marlins and has allowed just six runs during a four-game winning streak. Kurt Suzuki and All-Star Anthony Rendon each hit homers in Thursday's 5-2 win over the Marlins to extend the Montreal Expos/Nationals record to 18 consecutive games with at least one homer. Struggling Kansas City has dropped four straight games and seven of its past eight, including three consecutive four-run losses to the Cleveland Indians. The Royals have lost six of their past eight road games and are a major league-worst 13-31 away from home.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Kansas City, MASN2 (Washington)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Brad Keller (4-9, 4.63 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Austin Voth (0-0, 4.35)
Keller was fortunate to get a victory in his last outing as he gave up six runs and eight hits - including two homers - over five innings against the Toronto Blue Jays. He was 0-4 over his previous six starts, including a setback against the Seattle Mariners in which allowed seven runs and nine hits over four innings. Keller, who turns 24 later this month, served up five homers in six June starts after not giving up any in five May outings.
Voth is making his third start after receiving no-decisions in his first two. The 27-year-old allowed two runs in six innings against the Atlanta Braves on June 23 in his season debut and followed that up by giving up three runs over 4 1/3 innings against the Detroit Tigers last Saturday. Voth has allowed five homers across 22 2/3 major league innings, including three in 12 1/3 frames last season.
WALK-OFFS
1. Rendon is 8-for-20 with three homers and five RBIs over the past five games.
2. Royals All-Star OF/2B Whit Merrifield is 11-for-26 with three doubles during a six-game hitting streak.
3. Suzuki has five homers and 14 RBIs in his last 14 appearances.