The Kansas City Royals and the St. Louis Cardinals are at it again. No, not the World Series. Not yet, anyway.

Missouri's two teams are in Kansas City for the first two games, beginning with Monday's series opener at Kauffman Stadium. Then it's down I-70 to Busch Stadium the next two games. Last year the Royals snagged bragging rights by taking three of four against the Cardinals. Both teams are still in the hunt for a place in the playoffs in October.

St. Louis sits in third place behind Milwaukee and division-leading Chicago by eight games with a record of 45-46. Kansas City is faring a little better with a 57-53 record and in second place, 2 1/2 games behind the Cleveland Indians.

The Royals will have starter Ian Kennedy on the mound for Monday's game. Kennedy has a record of 3-5 with a 7.20 ERA in eight career starts against St. Louis. St. Louis will counter with Carlos Martinez. He hasn't allowed a run in eight career innings versus the Royals. Martinez is still seeking his first win against KC.

So there you have it...Who comes out on top in the series?

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