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Royals hope to end slide against Lee, Indians

May 30, 2008 - 2:01 PM Cleveland (24-29) at Kansas City (21-33) 8:10 p.m. EDT

KANSAS CITY, Missouri (Ticker) -- The Kansas City Royals are mired in the major's longest losing streak and things don't appear to be getting any better.

The Royals try to end their slump when they open a three-game series against Cliff Lee and the Cleveland Indians on Friday.

Kansas City suffered its 11th straight loss on Thursday, dropping a 5-1 decision to the Minnesota Twins in the finale of a three-game series. It was the seventh time the team has been held to two runs or fewer during their drought.

The Royals pitching hasn't been any better than the offense, allowing opponents to score at least six runs seven times over the previous 12 games.

Kansas City is poised for a 12th straight loss unless it can solve Lee (7-1, 1.50 ERA), who is tops in the league in ERA and is looking to tie the AL lead in wins when he takes the mound for the Indians.

Lee pitched his only shutout of the season during his last start against the Royals, surrendering just three hits while striking out nine en route to a 2-0 victory on March 24.

Gil Meche (3-7, 5.35) counters for Kansas City after allowing two runs and five hits in six innings, taking the loss during Sunday's 3-1 setback to the Toronto Blue Jays.