Nothing makes a baseball team fond for home like a road losing streak. That's the state the Kansas City Royals find themselves in as they come back to Kansas City after losing their last six, including a recent sweep at Cleveland. After starting the season on a positive note, including winning their first four, the Royals are now under .500 for the first time at 12-13. Luckily, they are 9-5 at home.
The Twins come to town in even worse shape than the Royals at an uncharacteristic 9-15. A brutal road sweep at the hands of the Tampa Bay Rays leave them tied for last place in the AL Central with the White Sox -- signs that this MLB season is as upside-down as any. Twins starter Scott Baker has pitched well despite his 1-2 record, while the Royals are depending on their winningest pitcher, Bruce Chen, to garner his fourth win of a young season.
One fun note for Kansas City is the 17 game hitting streak that outfielder Jeff Francouer is riding to a current .330 average -- dispelling the criticism that came with his off-season signing. The Royals will need his bat and others to overcome Baker, who has only allowed 1 earned run in his last 14 innings. Game time is 7:10 CST.