Edinson Volquez (12-7, 3.53 ERA) and Kyle Gibson (9-9, 3.84 ERA) start in the second of a three-game series between the Kansas City Royals (82-55) and the Minnesota Twins (71-66) at Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium. The Twins won the last game 6-2 and Minnesota leads the series 1-0. Action begins at 8:10 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Sep. 8 and can be seen on FSKC and FSN.
Volquez pitched 3.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering six runs, striking out three and walking one in a 15-7 defeat to the Tigers. Lorenzo Cain (.314, 88 Rs, 14 HRs, 64 RBIs, 26 SBs) had another good game yesterday, going 2 for 4 with one run. Gibson went 6.0 innings, surrendering three runs and striking out four in a 6-4 defeat to the White Sox in his last outing. Eddie Rosario (.270, 47 Rs, 9 HRs, 39 RBIs, 10 SBs) went 1 for 5 yesterday.
Kansas City is a -167 favorite against Minnesota and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is sitting at eight runs. The Royals have recorded an overall money line of +2,210 and have shown high-level performance as a favorite this season with a record of 49-28. Kansas City has had an impressive season against division opponents, earning 21-15 and 34-23 records as the favorite and SU respectively. The Royals have no trouble scoring as they rank fourth in the AL in offense with 4.5 runs per game. The Royals are one of the best in the AL in terms of hits with an impressive 9.3 per game. Kansas City is one of the best in the MLB in terms of steals, swiping 88 bases. Turning to the pitchers, opposing offenses that come to Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium have been stifled by the Royals, who have a team ERA of only 3.58 at home. The Royals are the fifth-best team in the AL at limiting walks during home games, allowing only 2.5 walks per game to their opponents this season.
In games where it is the underdog, Minnesota has a 54-55 record and an overall money line of +1,883. They are 20-22 as the underdog against fellow AL Central members, and 28-26 SU. When it comes to issuing walks, the Twins have the second-fewest in the AL with an average of just 2.5 walks allowed per game.
The Royals lead the season series, 8-6. The Royals have a great 31-14 record at home (56-31 overall) against right-handed starting pitchers, which is what they’ll be facing when Gibson takes the mound. Volquez (RHP) will be on the hill against the Twins, who have a 45-44 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – KC, O/U – Over
Notes
Minnesota has won 51% (25-24) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, Kansas City has won 63% (32-19) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Twins are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Royals have a 23-26 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
When they outhit their opponents, the Twins are 48-6. The Royals have a 65-8 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 11th in runs, Minnesota has earned 593 this season. Kansas City ranks sixth with 610 runs.
Ranking 30th, Kansas City is at the bottom of the league in walks, notching 309 this season. Minnesota ranks near the bottom at 23rd with 348.
The Royals are 57-23 when they hit at least one home run. The Twins perform similarly when they hit one or more homers with a 54-30 record.
