I think the Tampa Bay Rays will also know that for them to emulate last season's freak success, they have to go on long unbeaten 15game winning streak but at the end of September, I believe they will miss out on a playoff spot. The Rays are now fourth in the tough American League and it has been a very inconsistent season for them with them winning a streak of games before going down on a slippery slope. The story explains it all but they will look to win against Kansas City today, who have struggled in form recently. Two wins out of their last ten games prove poor overall play by the ball club and moroever, their away record is just not  competitive enough to compete on the big stage.

The Rays fifth pitcher Niemann will be on the mound today, coming up against Brian Bannister for the Royals who have a record of 4-2. Bannister wasn't at his best last Friday night against the White Sox, yielding a season-high seven runs (six earned) on nine hits in five-plus innings. May was a really rough month for Bannister though whereby he gave up many runs in his alst three starts. As for Niemann, h has limited to opposing batter to three earned runs or less in his last five outings, a far cry from his early season struggles. Overall though, the Rays have a good record of playing when Niemann starts for them and hence, I think the Rays will cruise past the sinking Royals.

Pick: TB Rays -1.5 @2.37