Athletics look to end skid in game against the Royals

Oakland Athletics (19-27, fourth in the AL West) vs. Kansas City Royals (26-19, second in the AL Central) Kansas City, Missouri; Friday, 7:40 p.m. EDT PITCHING PROBABLES: Athletics: Alex Wood (0-0); Royals: Cole Ragans (2-3, 4.22 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 57 strikeouts) BOTTOM LINE: The Oakland Athletics aim to end their five-game skid with a victory over the Kansas City Royals. Kansas City has a 26-19 record overall and a 15-8 record in home games. The Royals are 14-5 in games when they did not give up a home run. Oakland is 19-27 overall and 9-14 in road games. The Athletics have hit 55 total home runs to rank fourth in the majors. The teams meet Friday for the first time this season. TOP PERFORMERS: