Texas @ Kansas City preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 3, 2012 ) Texas 5, Kansas City 3

The Texas Rangers survived a slugfest with the rival Los Angeles Angels earlier in the week. Now, they’re looking to pad their lead. The Rangers have won three straight after taking the opener from the Kansas City Royals on Friday and lead the American League West, with the Oakland Athletics now their closest pursuers. Texas is hoping that Friday’s strong start by Matt Harrison can get an inconsistent and injury-plagued rotation back in sync.

The Royals had won three straight before falling in the opener and are just 7-14 since the All-Star break. The biggest issue has been with the pitching staff, which has allowed an average of 5.4 runs over the last 18 games. Texas slugger Mitch Moreland had the key three-run homer in Friday’s victory and the entire lineup seems to be finding a groove - even the struggling Josh Hamilton hitting safely in four of the last five games. David Murphy has hit in seven straight games and has driven in six runs in the last five.

TV: 6:10 p.m. ET, FSH (Texas), FSKC (Kansas City)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers RH Scott Feldman (5-6, 4.76 ERA) vs. Royals LH Will Smith (2-3, 5.94)

Feldman has dominated in two starts since re-joining the rotation, winning both while allowing a total of one run in 15 innings, striking out 10 and not issuing a walk in that span. The 29-year old swingman has earned the win in each of his last five decisions after beginning the season 0-6. Feldman lost to Kansas City on May 14, allowing two runs (none earned) and three hits in 4 2/3 innings. He is 2-2 with a 3.25 ERA against the Royals in his career.

Smith has put up two straight quality starts, including an outing at Los Angeles on July 24 in which he held the Angels to one run and two hits in seven innings. The rookie left-hander surrendered seven home runs in his first four career starts but has kept the ball in the park over the last two. Smith has never faced the Rangers.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Rangers used Alexi Ogando as closer on Friday with Joe Nathan unavailable after throwing over 30 pitches two straight nights. Texas will likely give Nathan a second straight day off Saturday.

2. Royals 3B Mike Moustakas (knee) was held out of the lineup on Friday but could return Saturday.

3. Texas RF Nelson Cruz has driven in 12 runs in the last 12 games.