Chicago @ Kansas City preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 24, 2011 ) Chi. Cubs 6, Kansas City 4

THE STORY: Still reeling after a ninth-inning error cost them the game on Friday, the Kansas City Royals look to snap a six-game losing streak when they host the Chicago Cubs in the second of a three-game series Saturday night. A miscue by second baseman Chris Getz allowed the go-ahead run to score as the Cubs rallied for a 6-4 victory in the series opener. The series matches the two pitching staffs with the highest ERAs in the major leagues.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), Fox Sports (Kansas City)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Carlos Zambrano (6-4, 4.50 ERA) vs. Royals LH Danny Duffy (1-2, 5.03 ERA)

The volatile Zambrano, who was moved up a day in the rotation this week, won for the first time since May 26 when he worked eight innings (7 H, 3 ER) in a victory over the Chicago White Sox on June 20. The Cubs had lost his previous four starts, including two straight in which he was hit hard (12 ER in 12 1/3 IP). He has struggled with control recently, walking 11 hitters in his last 20 1/3 innings. Zambrano has gotten more run support on the road, posting a 5-2 record in away games despite a 4.97 ERA.

Duffy is expected to be a future star in Kansas City, and he showed a glimpse of his potential by striking out nine in just 3 2/3 innings against St. Louis on June 19, but his time in the Kansas City rotation may be running out for the moment. With Kyle Davies slated to come off the disabled list soon, there may not be a need for Duffy, who has given up 19 earned runs and walked 22 hitters in just 34 innings. His last outing was cut short by a mild-calf injury.

ABOUT THE CUBS (31-44): Chicago, which has yet to win more than two consecutive games this season, had lost four of five before stealing a victory on Friday. The Cubs' struggles have been largely attributable to poor pitching — the rotation has produced just 26 quality starts in 75 games, the fewest in the major leagues - and the team owns the highest ERA and WHIP in baseball. A defense that ranks near the bottom of the majors with 60 errors has helped account for 33 unearned runs, including two on Friday night after a throwing gaffe by pitcher Ryan Dempster.

ABOUT THE ROYALS (31-45): Kansas City was second in the American League Central on May 12, sporting a 20-17 record, but they have won just 11 of 39 since. The Royals continue to find new and exciting ways to lose games, squandering a late lead Friday on Getz's fifth error of the season. With or without defensive help, the bullpen has had its share of troubles, blowing 10 of 23 save opportunities, and the pitching staff as a whole ranks at the bottom of the American League in most other categories. Offensively, the Royals are tied for the major league lead with 76 stolen bases.

FINAL PITCH: Cubs SS Starlin Castro has been on a tear of late, collecting 20 hits in his last 42 at-bats to raise his average to .327, second in the National League. Castro was 3-for-5 on Friday.