What happened: The St. Louis Cardinals (40-32) visit the Kansas City Royals (30-45) for the latest installment of their interleague series in Kansas City. The Royals took the most recent meeting 14-6, with Kansas City's offense breaking out for a First pitch is scheduled, with St. Louis carrying the better record into the matchup.

Why it matters: St. Louis sits comfortably above .500 and is leaning into its push to send Jordan Walker to the All-Star Game, making every win valuable as it tries to stay in the contention picture. Kansas City, well under .500 at 30-45, has played the Cardinals tough this stretch, and the two clubs have split their four most recent meetings 2-2.

What to watch: Watch whether St. Louis's staff can quiet a Royals lineup that erupted for 14 runs in the prior meeting, and whether Kansas City can keep its home momentum going against a winning club.