WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Interstat) — The Kansas City Royals and Athletics open their final series of the season on Friday night at Sutter Health Park, with both teams looking to finish on a high note after being eliminated from playoff contention.

The Royals (79-79) arrive having lost two of three to the Los Angeles Angels, including a 3-2 loss on Wednesday. Despite the defeat, Kansas City received strong pitching from Stephen Kolek, who allowed two runs over six innings, and Jonathan Bowlan, who struck out four in two scoreless innings of relief. Randal Grichuk homered in the loss.

Kansas City has been inconsistent in September, mixing dramatic wins like a 20-1 rout of Toronto with a recent 3-5 stretch.

The Athletics (75-84) are coming off an 11-5 loss to Houston on Thursday, though rookie first baseman Nick Kurtz provided a bright spot, going 3 for 5 with two home runs and three RBIs. had won five of its previous six games before the series finale against the Astros.

This three-game set is a rematch of a June series in Kansas City that was swept by the Athletics. won all three games, outscoring the Royals 13-6.

A statistical projection from Interstat forecasts a high-scoring affair, predicting a 7-5 victory for the Athletics.

The series continues through the weekend, concluding the 2025 campaign for both clubs. First pitch for Friday’s opener is scheduled for 6:45 p.m. PDT.