Johnny Cueto (8-7, 2.53 ERA) takes the hill for the Kansas City Royals (69-46) as they square off against Matt Shoemaker (5-8, 4.36 ERA) and the Los Angeles Angels (60-55) in the third of a four-game series at Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium. The Royals won the last game 4-1 and the series is currently tied 1-1. Action begins at 7:10 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 15 and can be seen on FS1.
Cueto pitched 9.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering zero runs and striking out eight in a 4-0 win over the Tigers. Lorenzo Cain (.318, 75 Rs, 12 HRs, 52 RBIs, 22 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run and one stolen base. Shoemaker went 5.2 innings, surrendering seven runs and striking out four in an 8-2 defeat to the White Sox in his last outing. Mike Trout (.303, 79 Rs, 33 HRs, 71 RBIs, 10 SBs) has been successful at the plate for the Angels, going 2 for 3 yesterday with one RBI.
Kansas City is a -179 favorite against Los Angeles and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is sitting at seven runs. The Royals have recorded an overall money line of +1,942 and have shown high-level performance as a favorite this season with a record of 38-22. Kansas City is an impressive 6-2 as the favorite over its last 10 games. Kansas City strikes out the least of any team in the AL, with only 5.8 per game. Turning to the pitchers, the Royals are the fifth-best team in the AL at limiting hits to their opponents, allowing only 8.2 hits per game so far this season.
In the other locker room, Los Angeles is coming in with an overall money line of -14 and a disappointing record of 17-27 as the underdog. They have been on a bit of a dry streak over their last 10 games. They managed a 0-1 record when playing as the underdog. The Angels have a dynamic offense, ranking fourth in the league with 303 extra base hits. Los Angeles is excellent at not striking out n the road with just 7.1 per game, ranking third in the AL. When it comes to issuing walks, the Angels have the second-fewest in the AL with an average of just 2.6 walks allowed per game.
The Royals lead the season series, 4-1. The Royals have a 46-28 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Shoemaker takes the mound. Cueto (RHP) will be on the hill against the Angels, who have a 44-42 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – KC, O/U – Over
Notes
Los Angeles has won 63% (29-17) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, Kansas City has won 64% (29-16) of its games when taking a late lead.
Having scored one run in their last game, the Angels are going to have to up their game if they want to win this matchup. The Royals have a 26-0 record in games where opponents scored that many runs or fewer.
When they outhit their opponents, the Angels are 44-13. The Royals have a 55-8 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 16th in runs, Los Angeles has earned 472 this season. Kansas City ranks eighth with 500 runs.
Ranking 30th, Kansas City is at the bottom of the league in walks, notching 250 this season. Los Angeles ranks in the top half at 15th with 323.
When the Royals hit at least one home run, they are 47-18, well-matched with the Angels who are 47-26 when hitting one or more homers.
