Adam Jones: Baltimore Orioles OF Is Primed for a Huge Day Against Kansas City

Baltimore Orioles outfielder Adam Jones has $85.5 million reasons to have a little more spring in his step in Sunday's series finale against the Kansas City Royals at Camden Yards, with the franchise scheduling a news conference for 11:30 a.m. ET to announce a six-year extension.

The 26-year-old outfielder is enjoying a tremendous start to the 2012 MLB season, hitting .309 with 14 home runs and 31 RBI in 47 games, which has him well on his way to surpassing last year's career highs of 25 round-trippers and 83 RBI.

Baltimore has won 21 of its last 32 games, but dropped a 4-3 decision to Kansas City on Saturday. The Orioles still have a chance of improving upon their 14-4-2 series record that dates back to last year, while they are 16-4 in their last 20 games against American League Central opponents.

Orioles starting pitcher Brian Matusz (4-4, 4.86 ERA) comes in riding a three-game win streak, which includes a 4-1 home win over the Boston Red Sox last time out, allowing just a single run and two hits over 6.1 innings.

The left-hander has an even 2-2 record and 4.67 ERA in five home outings, issuing 10 walks and collecting 22 strikeouts in 27 combined frames. Those numbers may not jump off the page, but it's a massive improvement from his 1-4 mark and 11.70 ERA in five starts at Camden Yards in 2011.

In two career appearances versus the Royals, Matusz has produced a 1-0 record and 7.71 ERA, including a 5-3 road win two starts back. The 25-year-old allowed three runs and seven hits over six innings in that effort. He could make it two wins in a row in this series, considering the visitor is 2-9 against left-handed starters in 2012.

Kansas City snapped a three-game losing streak in Saturday's affair, but the offense has still managed to score just 11 runs over its last four contests. The Royals are 2-5 when playing on Sunday this season.

Luke Hochevar (3-5, 6.61 ERA) has received just five runs of support in dropping his last two starts, coming off a 3-2 road defeat to the New York Yankees. He allowed three runs and six hits over 6.2 innings in that effort.

The right-hander has done his best work away from Kauffman Stadium in 2012, posting a 3-2 record and 4.75 ERA in five road starts, which is much better than his 0-3 mark and 9.87 ERA in four home appearances.

Hochevar will be facing the Orioles for the eighth time in his career, posting a 1-5 record and 6.54 ERA, including a dreadful 0-3 mark and 9.47 ERA in three outings inside this ball park.

Umpire Gary Cederstrom has watch the road team win seven of his 10 games behind the dish this season, but provides little edge in terms of the pitching matchup. Both scheduled starters have led their clubs to a victory in his strike zone over the course of their careers.

Weather forecasts suggest partly cloudy skies and game-time temperatures in the upper 80s, with a south-southeast breeze of 5-10 mph (out to left).

Pick: Baltimore Orioles

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