Morales, Hos enjoying at-bats with Royals on base over 50 percent of the time
The Baltimore Orioles and Kansas City Royals will meet for the first time this season, the latest into the season these teams have had their first matchup.
Latest Date of first Matchup in Season between Royals and O's
| Season Date | Winner |
| 8/24/2015 | ???? |
| 8/6/2001 | Orioles, 9-6 |
| 6/28/2004 | Orioles, 10-1 |
| 6/11/1991 | Royals, 11-0 |
| 5/29/1973 | Orioles, 3-2 |
The Royals may have the advantage tonight if the game stays close, as they have been among the best teams this season in one-run games, an area the Orioles have struggled.
Record in one-run games this season
| Team | Record | AL Rank |
| Royals | 20-11 (.645) | 1st |
| Orioles | 17-22 (.436) | 13th |
The Royals' left-handed bats this season have been among the best in the league.
Highest OPS as Left-Handed Hitter, 2015
| Team | OPS |
| Washington Nationals | .851 |
| Kansas City Royals | .819 |
| Boston Red Sox | .782 |
| Chicago Cubs | .779 |
| Colorado Rockies | .775 |
Both Eric Hosmer and Kendrys Morales have had the benefit of coming to the plate with runners on base much of the time this season.
Highest Percentage of Player’s PA with Runners on Base this season
| Player | Percentage |
| Carlos Santana (CLE) | 53.9 |
| Eric Hosmer (KC) | 53.1 (270/508) |
| Brandon Moss (CLE-STL) | 52 |
| Kendrys Morales (KC) | 51.6 (256/496) |
| Mark Teixeira (NYY) | 51.2 |
Kris Medlen will make his first start in nearly two years when he takes the mound Monday night. Prior to his injury (Medlen's second Tommy John surgery), Medlen was on his way to becoming one of the better starters in the majors.
Lowest ERA as starter: 2012-13 (min. 40 GS)
| Player | ERA |
| Clayton Kershaw | 2.17 |
| Kris Medlen | 2.46 |
| Hisashi Iwakuma | 2.66 |
| Johnny Cueto | 2.79 |
| David Price | 2.92 |
