Interleague Play Preview: AL Central foes provide tough tasks for St. Louis

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May 10, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Greg Holland (56) pitches during the tenth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Kansas City won 2-1 in ten innings. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Kansas City Royals

STL plays: May 22-24 (Away), June 12-14 (Home)

Record: 20-11, 1st in AL Central

Season outlook: When looking at how the Cardinals have been winning games recently, one could argue that the Royals have been stealing victories in similar ways. The hitters have combined for a .310 batting average with runners in scoring position, while the bullpen has remained one of baseball’s strongest amidst some slight changes.

Key Players: Left fielder Alex Gordon is perhaps the current franchise face, as he has collected three home runs, 16 RBI and a .286 batting average in his ninth season with Kansas City. Salvador Perez has been among the best hitting catchers this year (.296 BA) and also leads all MLB backstops with a 59 percent caught-stealing ratio.

Prediction: Season series ends at 3-3, as home team takes the series victory in both trips.