By The Associated Press
The Oakland Athletics aim to break their five-game skid with a win against the Kansas City Royals.
Oakland Athletics (19-27, fourth in the AL West) vs. Kansas City Royals (26-19, second in the AL Central)
Kansas City, Missouri; Friday, 7:40 p.m. EDT
PITCHING PROBABLES: Athletics: Alex Wood (0-0); Royals: Cole Ragans (2-3, 4.22 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 57 strikeouts)
BOTTOM LINE: The Oakland Athletics aim to end their five-game skid with a victory over the Kansas City Royals.
Kansas City has a 26-19 record overall and a 15-8 record in home games. The Royals are 14-5 in games when they did not give up a home run.
Oakland is 19-27 overall and 9-14 in road games. The Athletics have hit 55 total home runs to rank fourth in the majors.
The teams meet Friday for the first time this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: Vinnie Pasquantino has 12 doubles, five home runs and 25 RBI for the Royals. Adam Frazier is 5-for-23 with a double and a home run over the last 10 games.
Brent Rooker has seven doubles and 10 home runs for the Athletics. Abraham Toro is 13-for-44 with three doubles and a home run over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES:
Royals: 6-4, .245 batting average, 3.83 ERA, outscored opponents by one run
Athletics: 2-8, .228 batting average, 5.92 ERA, outscored by 25 runs
INJURIES:
Royals: Josh Taylor: 60-Day IL (biceps), Jake Brentz: 15-Day IL (hamstring), Carlos Hernandez: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Kris Bubic: 60-Day IL (elbow), Kyle Wright: 60-Day IL (shoulder)