In the first of a three-game series between the Kansas City Royals (16-18) and the Atlanta Braves (8-25) at Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium, Edinson Volquez (3-3, 3.89 ERA) and Julio Teheran (0-3, 3.48 ERA) take the mound. The game gets underway at 8:15 p.m. ET on Friday, May. 13 and will air on FSKC and FSSO.
In his most recent outing, Volquez pitched 4.1 innings, allowing five runs, striking out four and walking four in a 5-4 loss to the Indians. Eric Hosmer (.333, 18 Rs, 6 HRs, 16 RBIs, 3 SBs) continued his strong season yesterday, going 2 for 4 with one run. The Braves were unsuccessful against the Diamondbacks 4-2 the last time Teheran pitched. He went 5.0 innings, allowing two, striking out five and walking two. Freddie Freeman (.288, 15 Rs, 6 HRs, 10 RBIs, 1 SB) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is presently unavailable. The Royals have a 7-22 record SU against the NL. Kansas City has averaged 0.0 runs per game over the last 10 games, higher than its season average of 0.0. The Royals are a nightmare on the bases for opponents with 24 steals, one of the highest totals in baseball. Kansas City’s pitching staff has put it all together in the past 10 games. Its average runs allowed per game dropped to 0.0 during that span, compared to its 0.0 season average.
When playing Teams in the American League, the Braves have a 14-15 record SU. Atlanta has been playing better lately, averaging 0.0 runs per game, more than their season average of 0.0. Atlanta is one of the top hitting teams in the league with zero extra base hits. The last 10 games have really brought the best out of the Atlanta pitchers. They’ve allowed 0.0 runs per game during that span, which is lower than their season average of 0.0.
Predictions: SU Winner – KC
Notes
The Royals managed to give up five walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Braves who are coming in with a 2-4 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Braves are 2-15. The Royals have a 3-10 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 30th in home runs, Atlanta has hit nine this season. Kansas City ranks 21st with 32 home runs.
Ranking 27th, Atlanta is near the bottom of the league in hits, notching 7.61 per game. Kansas City ranks in the top half at 13th with 8.56.
Ranking first in on-base plus slugging percentage, Atlanta has an OPS of .000 this season. Kansas City ranks 22nd with an OPS of .699.
The Braves are 2-19 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Royals are 9-13 when they allow at least one homer.
