Kansas City Royals (12-7) at Texas Rangers (11-7)
Probable Starting Pitchers: Jeff Francis (0-1, 3.00 ERA), Derek Holland (2-1, 3.66 ERA)
The Texas Rangers are in a bit of a funk for the first time in 2011. The Rangers find themselves in second place headed into play this weekend after dropping two of three to the now division leading Los Angeles Angels. Texas has dropped their last three series dating back to last week, when the Detroit Tigers took two of three from them before the Yankees took two of three.
The Rangers turn to Derek Holland to try to prevent a three game losing streak tonight. Holland has pitched well this year, posting a 2-1 record to go along with a 3.66 ERA and 1.27 WHIP. Holland received a loss in his last start, giving up five runs in seven and two thirds innings to the Yankees when Ron Washington stuck with Holland too long in the eighth inning as he surrendered a home run to Robinson Cano.
The upstart Royals will send Jeff Francis to the mound tonight. Francis has started four games for Kansas City but has received only one decision, a loss in his last outing to the Mariners. Francis has posted an even 3.00 ERA in 27 innings while striking out 14 and walking just three.
First pitch is scheduled for 8:05 p.m. EST, 7:05 p.m. CST.