Severe storms in the forecast as the Royals try to avoid sweep by Tigers

After a deflating pair of losses these past two nights at Comerica Park, the Royals require a sturdy effort from staff ace James Shields on Wednesday.

If, of course, the game can be played in the first place.

There is a nasty stretch of thunderstorms in the forecast heading toward Motown on Wednesday. You can read more about the storms here, if you are interested in such matters.

Here is a breakdown of the expected precipitation, from Weather.com:

7 p.m.: 90 percent.

8 p.m.: 70 percent.

9 p.m.: 80 percent.

10 p.m.: 70 percent.

11 p.m.: 70 percent.

12 a.m.: 40 percent.

So, that’s not encouraging.

The teams share a mutual off-day, Sept. 18. The next night, the Tigers come to Kauffman Stadium for another three-game series.

FROM THE STAR

An anatomy of a disaster: Ned Yost, Jarrod Dyson and a loss that cost the Royals sole possession of first place in the American League Central.

Sam Mellinger writes about how Wednesday night is the most important game of this season for Kansas City.

Yost explains why Omar Infante bats second every day.

THE ROYALS’ PLAYOFF PERCENTAGE (ACCORDING TO BASEBALL PROSPECTUS)

61.8 percent.

THE LEAD ON DETROIT IN THE AMERICAN LEAGUE CENTRAL

The two teams are tied.

HERE IS SOME ROCK MUSIC

“Why Bother At All” by Koufax.