One word to describe Royals' recent series with Rays: Domination
To say that the Kansas City Royals have had their way with the Tampa Bay Rays the last two-plus seasons would be an understatement.
Best Record vs. Any Single Opponent since 2013
| Matchup | Record |
| Kansas City Royals vs. Rays | 14-3 |
| St. Louis Cardinals vs. Nationals | 13-3 |
| Los Angeles Angels vs. Tigers | 16-4 |
| Cleveland Indians vs. Astros | 16-5 |
The Royals have recorded at least 10 hits in eight straight games vs. the Rays -- tied for the second-longest streak of its kind since Tampa Bay joined Major League Baseball in 1998.
Most Consecutive 10+ Hit Games vs. Rays All-Time
| Team | Games |
| Los Angeles Angels | 12 |
| Toronto Blue Jays | 8 |
| Kansas City Royals | 8 |
The Royals’ longest streak of 10+ hits versus any opponent all-time is 10 straight games versus the White Sox, July 6, 1999 to July 24, 2000.
Speaking of hits, it would be a surprise if the Rays got many tonight with the following chart as a barometer.
Edinson Volquez: Lowest Career BA Allowed vs. Any Opponent
| vs. Padres | .176 |
| vs. Rays | .193 |
| vs. Marlins | .200 |
| vs. Astros | .202 |
The Rays entered this series 63-64, and with a win tonight, will be at .500 for the 20th time in 2015 -- a mark the Royals have never seen this season.
Royals/Rays -- Times with Exactly .500 Record in 2015
| Team | No. of times at .500 |
| Rays | 19 -- Most in MLB |
| Royals | 0 -- Tied for fewest in MLB |
Kansas City has been at least five games above .500 all season long after starting the year 7-0.
The Rays have been outscored by 13 runs in the first inning this season, a problem that Kansas City has not had in 2015.
Best Run Differential in Any Inning this season
| Team | Inning | +/- |
| Toronto Blue Jays | 2nd | +50 |
| Kansas City Royals | 1st | +46 |
| Chicago Cubs | 3rd | +43 |
| Colorado Rockies | 4th | +39 |
