Eliminated from the playoffs already, the Cleveland Indians will make their final road trip, beginning with a Friday game against the Royals and ending with a Wednesday game against the White Sox. After the two, three-game series, the Indians will then host the same two teams to finish he season.
With five consecutive losses to the Royals, the Indians could lose a sixth straight game to Kansas City for the first time since 1978. To avoid doing so, they'll need Justin Masterson to pitch better on Friday than he has as of late. In each of his last two starts he has earned a loss, allowing a combined eight runs in 10.4 innings.
The starter for the Royals, Luis Mendoza, hasn't done much better, although he's been able to avoid decisions altogether in September. He has been lucky to do so, though, with at least one home run allowed in each of his last four starts, including three to the White Sox on Sept. 7.
The first pitch in Friday night's game at Kaufmann Stadium is scheduled to be thrown at 8:10 p.m. ET and will be televised on STO Network, as well as FOX Sports Kansas City.
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