(Sports Network) - The Kansas City Royals' losing skid has reached 12 games, and the club will try desperately to put one in the win column when it continues a three-game set against the Cleveland Indians tonight at Kauffman Stadium.

On Friday, Grady Sizemore smacked two home runs and made a game-saving catch in the ninth inning, helping the Indians edge the Royals, 5-4, in the series opener.

Casey Blake added the eventual game-winning two-run homer in the sixth inning, helping send the Tribe to their second win in their last three tests.

Cliff Lee (8-1) earned the win after allowing four runs on 10 hits over six innings, while Joe Borowski notched his fourth save of the season with a scoreless ninth.

John Buck had two runs batted in on two doubles and Mark Teahen had two hits and scored twice for Kansas City. Esteban German added three hits for the hard-luck Royals.

Royals starter Gil Meche worked five innings of three-run ball, allowing six hits and two walks while fanning six. Brett Tomko (2-7) relieved Meche in the sixth and promptly gave up the lead.

This is Kansas City's longest losing streak since dropping 13 straight from May 12-25, 2006.

Before Friday's game, Cleveland placed struggling designated hitter Travis Hafner on the 15-day disabled list with a right shoulder strain and activated outfielder Shin-Soo Choo from the 15-day disabled list.

After a Cy Young season in 2007, C.C. Sabathia has struggled thus far in 2008. The Cleveland ace is 3-6 with a 4.74 ERA and allowed 73 hits in 68 1/3 innings of work.

The left-hander did not figure in the decision of Sunday's game against Texas despite permitting just one earned run in seven innings.

Sabathia is 1-1 this season against Kansas City with a 2.92 ERA. In his career, he is 14-9 with a 3.35 ERA against the Royals.

Kansas City is expected to give the ball to Kyle Davies, who will be making his season debut for the Royals. The young righty has three years of major league experience to his credit.

With an 0-3 record and a 12.27 ERA in his career against the Indians, Davies doesn't have much reason for confidence entering this contest.

Cleveland has won four of six from the Royals this season and swept a three- game series in Kansas City from April 22-24.