Rays' hitters picking up pace, face Royals

(Photo credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports)
Facing the host Kansas City Royals in Thursday night's rubber game, the Tampa Bay Rays will look to win their fifth straight series.

For much of the season's first half, the Rays' bats have lacked their usual pop. Tampa Bay's 78 home runs are tied for last in the American League, and the club's 776 strikeouts are fourth worst.

Yandy Diaz is the only Tampa Bay hitter ra