After a late-night victory Saturday, the Kansas City Royals return to Fenway Park this afternoon with a chance to build a winning streak. The Royals send rookie Will Smith to the mound, who is 4-5 with a 5.40 ERA in ten starts for the big league club. Smith struggled in his last start, giving up four earned runs and eight hits in just 3 2/3 innings in a loss to Tampa Bay on Aug. 20.
Boston will call on Felix Doubront, who has missed his last two starts with a knee contusion. Doubront is 10-6 on the season with a 4.70 ERA, but has struggled through July and August. Doubront has a 5.74 ERA in his last three starts, and has not recorded a win since July 18. Sunday's game will likely be the first for first baseman James Loney, who was acquired by the Red Sox in Saturday's blockbuster trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
First pitch is scheduled for 12:35 CT. Television coverage is available on Fox Sports Kansas CIty, with radio broadcast on KCSP AM 610.
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