Kansas City at Boston

Boston cleaned house this weekend by dumping three huge contracts, but it didn't hurt their offense, winning 4-3 Friday and getting 20 hits and 9 runs yesterday. That will happen against the Kansas City Royals, ranked 22nd in baseball in team ERA and runs scored. Boston gets to face Will Smith (4-5, 5.40 ERA) today, who has below average stuff. Smith did not last very long during Monday's series opener against the Rays. Smith allowed four runs on eight hits over just 3-2/3 innings in the contest and the 23-year-old is 3-2 with a 4.63 ERA in his six road starts on the year. The Royals are 18-37 in their last 55 road games vs. a team with a losing home record and 22-57 on the road against a left-handed starter. They face southpaw Felix Doubront (10-6), who has been a terrific addition for Boston fanning 119 in 122 innings. The Red Sox are 12-5 in their last 17 games as a home favorite of -110 to -150 and 5-2 in Doubront's last seven starts against the American League Central. And the Royals are 11-25 in the last 36 meetings in Boston. Play the Red Sox!