Royals Vs. Astros: Kansas City Only Five Games Back Of First Place

Quietly, the Kansas City Royals are making a move up the AL Central standings, winning five of their last six games. They now find themselves just five games back of the Chicago White Sox for first place.

The Royals will look to capitalize on a series against the Houston Astros, who have lost 16 of their last 21 games.

Kansas City will open the series by sending Jonathan Sanchez (1-2, 5.93 ERA) to the hill. In four career games against Houston, Sanchez has a 1.65 ERA.

Opposing him will be Astros starter J.A. Happ (4-7, 5.33 ERA). Happ has never faced the Royals and only three of their current players have batted against him.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 CT, and the game will be broadcasted on Fox Sports Kansas City.

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