This game could be low scoring as Taijuan Walker (2-0, 1.44 ERA) and the Seattle Mariners (13-10) meet Ian Kennedy (2-2, 2.77 ERA) and the Kansas City Royals (12-11) in the last of a three-game series at Safeco Field. The Royals lost the last game 6-0, extending a five-game losing streak. The game starts at 4:10 p.m. ET on Sunday, May. 1 and will air on FSKC and RTNW.
In his last start, Walker pitched 7.0 innings, allowing one run, striking out 11 and walking one in a 3-2 victory over the Astros. Seth Smith (.298, 12 Rs, 4 HRs, 10 RBIs) played well again yesterday, going 2 for 5 with one run, one home run, and one RBI. The Royals were unsuccessful the last time Kennedy pitched. He struggled, going 6.0 innings, giving up five runs, striking out two and walking four in a 6-1 loss to the Angels. Mike Moustakas (.273, 11 Rs, 7 HRs, 11 RBIs) has been doing well offensively for the Royals, going 2 for 4 yesterday.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable at the moment. Seattle has averaged 0.0 runs per game over the last 10 games, higher than its season average of 0.0. The most recent 10 game stretch for Seattle’s pitching staff has gone great. Over that span, Seattle’s opponents are averaging 0.0 runs per game, below their season average of 0.0. The Mariners are fifth in the league in WHIP at 1.155.
Kansas City has been playing better lately, averaging 0.0 runs per game, more than their season average of 0.0. The Royals have racked up 18 steals on the year, making them one of the most threatening base-running teams in the league. The Royals are one of the top pitching staffs in the AL, essentially shutting down opponents to the tune of 0.0 runs allowed per game. They also allow just 7.5 hits per game, good for fourth in the AL.
The previous two games have all gone Seattle’s way.
Predictions: SU Winner – SEA
Notes
Kansas City has won 50% (5-5) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Seattle has won 62% (5-3) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Royals didn’t score any runs in their last game. The Mariners have a 2-0 record when they don’t allow any runs.
When they are outhit, the Royals are 2-7. The Mariners have a 3-7 record when opponents outhit them.
Kansas City ranks near the bottom of the league at 23rd when it comes to home runs, hitting 20 this season. Seattle ranks in the top 10 with 32.
Ranking 27th, Seattle is near the bottom of the league in hits, notching 7.55 per game. Kansas City ranks in the top half at 11th with 8.55.
Seattle and Kansas City both rank in the bottom half of the league for their on-base plus slugging percentage. Seattle sits at 16th with an OPS of .709, and Kansas City ranks 18th with an OPS of .698.
The Royals are 7-9 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Mariners are 7-7 when they allow at least one homer.
