The Kansas City Royals open a three-game series with the Chicago White Sox Friday evening at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago. The Royals enter the game having dropped three of four games against the Texas Rangers at Kauffman Stadium. The White Sox had Thursday off after taking two of three from Minnesota earlier this week.

Kansas City sends Luis Mendoza to the hill for Friday's game. Mendoza is 7-9 on the season with a 4.48 ERA in 20 starts. In his last start, on September 2, Mendoza took a no decision against Minnesota after giving up 2 earned runs in 5 innings pitched. Mendoza faced Chicago twice in August, going 1-1 and lasting through the seventh inning in both starts.

The White Sox counter with lefty Francisco Liriano, who is 2-1 with a 4.54 ERA in seven starts since being traded from Minnesota in July. For the season, Liriano is 5-11 with a 5.11 ERA. In his last start against Kansas City, when still a member of the Twins, Liriano gave up 4 earned runs and 5 hits over 5 1/3 innings.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 CT. Television coverage is available on Fox Sports Kansas City, with radio broadcast on KCSP 610 AM.

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