BOTTOM LINE: The Boston Red Sox will try to keep their six-game home win streak intact when they play the Kansas City Royals. Boston has a 38-21 record in home games and a 63-51 record overall. The Red Sox have gone 44-18 in games when they record eight or more hits.

The Red Sox took 2-3 from the Kansas City Royals when they visited KC and are looking to do the same now against a Royals team that has struggled since May.

This article was originally published on www.si.com/mlb/royals as Red Sox-Royals Series Marks Critical Inflection Point For Kansas City. Look, it's fair to say that every series is critical for the Kansas City Royals for the rest of the season. But this trip to Fenway Park to face the Boston Red Sox feels extra consequential.