Royals vs. Indians: Will Smith hopes to break losing streak

The Kansas City Royals open their penultimate series of 2012 Friday night in Cleveland against the Indians. Having lost their last five, the Royals will look to stop the bleeding and build some momentum as they enter the offseason. They should have ample opportunity against the Tribe, which has gone just 10-14 in September and are five games behind the Royals in the AL Central standings.

Kansas City hands the ball to Will Smith. The rookie southpaw is 6-8 with a 4.88 ERA in fifteen starts with the big league club. He started Kansas City's September 22 game against Cleveland, going 7 innings and giving up just 2 runs.

Cleveland turns to its own young lefty, September callup David Huff. In his four major league starts, Huff has been impressive, going 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA despite a pitch count limitation. Huff also started in last week's series, throwing 5 2/3 innings and conceding just one run in Cleveland's September 23 win over the Royals.

First pitch is scheduled for 6:05. Fox Sports Kansas City will handle television coverage, with KCSP 610 getting the radio call.