Johnny Cueto (7-7, 2.69 ERA) and Matt Boyd (1-2, 7.90 ERA) take the hill in the first of a three-game series between the Kansas City Royals (65-44) and the Detroit Tigers (54-57) at Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium. Action begins at 7:10 p.m. ET on Monday, Aug. 10 and can be seen on FSKC, FSDT and ESPN.
Cueto pitched 7.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering two runs, striking out two and walking two in a 2-1 defeat to the Tigers. Lorenzo Cain (.307, 70 Rs, 11 HRs, 48 RBIs, 20 SBs) went 1 for 3 yesterday with one run, one RBI, and one stolen base. Boyd went 7.0 innings, surrendering one run and striking out two in a 2-1 win over the Royals in his last outing. Miguel Cabrera (.350, 43 Rs, 15 HRs, 54 RBIs, 1 SB) has been successful at the plate for the Tigers, going 2 for 2 yesterday with one RBI.
This one isn’t expected to be close when Kansas City, a big -202 favorite, takes on Detroit. The Over/Under (O/U) is sitting at seven runs for this matchup. The Royals have recorded an overall money line of +1,909 and have shown high-level performance as a favorite this season with a record of 35-21. Kansas City is an impressive 3-1 as the favorite over its last 10 games. The Royals are one of the best in the AL in terms of hits with an impressive 9.1 per game. Kansas City strikes out the least of any team in the AL, with only 5.8 per game. Kansas City’s pitching staff has been doing poorly against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, allowing an average of 5.4 runs per game, well above its season average of 3.8.
In games where it is the underdog, Detroit has a 22-31 record and an overall money line of -373. Despite an underwhelming record as the underdog against AL Central opponents (9-11), they pulled off an impressive 29-18 SU record. Offensively, the Tigers have really picked up the pace in division games. They have exceeded their season average of 4.5 runs per game by averaging 4.9 in those contests. The Tigers are tough outs for opponents, leading the AL with 9.6 hits per game. The Tigers average 4.8 runs allowed per game, but does better whenever another team from the AL Central is on the schedule. They bring that runs allowed average down to 4.3 against division foes. When it comes to issuing walks on the road, the Tigers have the fifth-fewest in the AL with an average of just 2.7 walks allowed per game.
The Royals have a 20-17 record against left-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Boyd takes the mound. Cueto (RHP) will be on the hill against the Tigers, who have a 39-45 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – KC, O/U – Over
Notes
After last game’s shutout win against the Chicago, the Royals now have five shutouts this season. The Tigers have been shut out in three games this season.
Having scored zero runs in their last game, the Royals are going to have to up their game if they want to win this matchup. The Tigers have an 8-0 record in games where opponents scored that many runs.
When they are outhit, the Tigers are 7-41. The Royals have a 9-36 record when opponents outhit them.
Kansas City ranks near the bottom of the league at 27th when it comes to home runs, hitting 85 this season. Detroit ranks in the top 10 at 10th with 113.
Ranking first in hits, Detroit has earned 9.57 per game this season. Kansas City ranks second with 9.14 hits.
Ranking 11th, Kansas City is in the top half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.726). Detroit ranks in the top five at third with an OPS of .764.
When the Tigers allow at least one home run, they are 26-46. When the Royals allow one or more homers, they have a 29-32 record.
