Athletics look to end skid in game against the Royals

Oakland Athletics (19-27, fourth in the AL West) vs. Kansas City Royals (26-19, second in the AL Central)Kansas City, Missouri; Friday, 7:40 p.m. EDTPITCHING PROBABLES: Athletics: Alex Wood (0-0); Royals: Cole Ragans (2-3, 4.22 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 57 strikeouts)BOTTOM LINE: The Oakland Athletics aim to end their five-game skid with a victory over the Kansas City Royals.Kansas City has a 26-19 record overall and a 15-8 record in home games. The Royals are 14-5 in games when they did not give up a hom