Dodgers 5 - 4 Royals
Final
  for this game

Royals hand Shields ball in finale with Dodgers

Jun 25, 2014 - 2:28 PM (SportsNetwork.com) - Clayton Kershaw is a tough act to follow.

Nonetheless, Kansas City workhorse James Shields will attempt to duplicate the Los Angeles ace's latest masterpiece on Wednesday night when the Royals host the Dodgers to wrap up a three-game series at Kauffman Stadium.

Kershaw tossed a no-hitter two starts ago and was a winner again in Tuesday night's middle game when he allowed six hits and struck out eight in a 2-0 victory to give the Dodgers their eighth win in 11 games.

Shields hasn't lost a decision since May 2 and is 5-0 in that stretch, though his 5.54 earned run average is hardly Kershaw-like and he's gotten 7.25 runs of offensive support per game.

The Southern California-born right-hander faces Los Angeles for the first time.

This season, he's pitched at least six innings in 14 of 16 starts.

"He just takes his game to the next level and finds ways to get us through the seventh inning," Royals manager Ned Yost said.

Kansas City faces Dodgers veteran right-hander Dan Haren, who's unbeaten in seven career starts against the Royals while winning four decisions and compiling a 2.45 ERA.

He's gotten 17 runs in his last three starts this season, during which he's won a pair of decisions. He allowed three runs -- including two home runs -- in 5 2/3 innings against San Diego on Friday, but didn't get the win after the bullpen failed to hold the advantage.

On Tuesday, Kershaw earned his fifth win in as many starts and Adrian Gonzalez and Andre Ethier each drove in a run for the Dodgers.

Danny Duffy (4-7) dropped his second straight start despite giving up just one run on four hits over six innings for the Royals.

The Dodgers and Royals are meeting for the first time since 2005.






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