St. Louis @ Kansas City preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 22, 2012 ) St. Louis 11, Kansas City 4

Carlos Beltran made his return to Kansas City a memorable one and seeks a second straight strong performance when the St. Louis Cardinals play the Royals in Saturday’s second game of the series. Beltran hit two-run doubles in each of the first two innings as his four-RBI showing fueled St. Louis’ 11-4 victory. Beltran began his career with Kansas City and played six-plus seasons for the Royals before being dealt to the Houston Astros during the 2004 season.

The Cardinals matched a season high with 17 hits while winning in Kansas City for the ninth time in the last 12 meetings. St. Louis scored 10 runs over the first two innings, the first time the Cardinals have accomplished that feat since rolling up 13 runs in the opening two innings during a 15-5 win over the San Diego Padres in 2005. Kansas City lost for just the third time in 10 games but dropped to 11-21 at home in the opener of a six-game homestand.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Midwest (St. Louis), Fox Sports Kansas City

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Adam Wainwright (5-7, 4.46 ERA) vs. Royals RH Luis Mendoza (2-3, 4.69)

Wainwright has allowed just three runs in 14 innings over his last two starts but didn’t pick up a win either time. He settled for a no-decision in his last outing against Kansas City despite giving up just one run and five hits in seven innings. Wainwright has allowed just one homer in his last nine starts after giving up seven over his first five outings. He is 2-1 with a 3.31 ERA in seven career appearances (four starts) against the Royals.

Mendoza took a no-decision against the Cardinals in his last start when he gave up two runs and six hits in six innings, with the runs coming on solo homers by Matt Holliday and Allen Craig. He failed to earn a decision in his previous start when he allowed just one run and one hit in six innings against the Milwaukee Brewers. Mendoza hasn’t won since beating the Chicago White Sox on May 13.

WALK-OFFS:

1. Cardinals OF Jon Jay went 1-for-4 in the opener in his return from a shoulder injury that sidelined him five-plus weeks.

2. Kansas City C Salvador Perez went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer in his season debut after undergoing knee surgery in March.

3. Royals RHP Felipe Paulino is done for the season and could become the fourth Kansas City pitcher to undergo Tommy John surgery this season, joining closer Joakim Soria, reliever Blake Wood and starter Danny Duffy.