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Rangers-Royals Preview

May 26, 2010 - 5:10 AM By ANTHONY GIORNALISTA STATS Senior Writer

Texas (25-20) at Kansas City (18-27), 2:10 p.m. EDT

Vladimir Guerrero is having an outstanding month for the Texas Rangers, and the Kansas City Royals have been his biggest victim.

Guerrero and the Rangers look to remain unbeaten against the Royals this season as the teams wrap up a two-game set Wednesday afternoon.

An 8-7 win Tuesday night gave AL West-leading Texas (26-20) a 5-0 record against Kansas City (18-28) this year, largely the result of averaging 6.8 runs and batting .317 in those meetings.

Much of that production has come from Guerrero, who hit two homers and drove in five Tuesday. The eight-time All-Star is batting .444 with five home runs and 12 RBIs in the season series with the Royals.

"It's unbelievable to watch," teammate Josh Hamilton said. "Everybody is kind of in awe."

Guerrero's success against Kansas City has highlighted his outstanding May. Ten of the veteran slugger's 12 homers have come in 20 games since May 4. He's batting .366 with 29 RBIs during that stretch.

"I really didn't have any expectations," Guerrero said through an interpreter. "The key is staying healthy. If I'm healthy I can do some things."

Hamilton added a solo homer Tuesday, giving him six RBIs against the Royals this season. Hamilton is batting .393 (11 for 28) over his last seven contests overall.

However, Hamilton is 0 for 5 with three strikeouts against Luke Hochevar (4-2, 5.37 ERA), who is scheduled to take the mound Wednesday for the Royals. Hochevar tossed his third career complete game Thursday, surrendering three runs and four hits while striking out seven in a 9-3 win over Cleveland.

The right-hander is still seeking his first win at home, as he's 0-1 with a 3.92 ERA in three starts at Kauffman Stadium. He is 1-0 with a 5.59 ERA in two career starts against the Rangers.

Texas will give the ball to Scott Feldman (2-4, 5.90), who continues to fail to live up to his status as the team's opening-day starter. He's posted an 8.64 ERA while losing each of his three road starts, and is 1-2 with a 7.40 ERA in his last four outings overall.

The right-hander gave up four runs and a season-high 12 hits in six innings Thursday night, but managed to get credit for a 13-7 victory over Baltimore.

Feldman is 2-0 with a 2.84 ERA in three career starts versus the Royals.

Kansas City has lost three straight, but could be poised to end its struggles against Feldman. The Royals have scored seven runs or more in five of their last six games.

First baseman Billy Butler is batting .421 (16 for 38) with seven RBIs over his last 10 games, raising his average from .324 to .344, but he's 2 for 13 (.154) against Feldman.

Kansas City may have to get by without starting shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt, who had to leave Tuesday's game after five innings due to dizziness following a collision at the plate with Texas catcher Matt Treanor in the third inning.

Second baseman Mike Aviles moved to shortstop, and Chris Getz entered the game to join him in the middle infield.