In the last of a three-game series between the Kansas City Royals (17-19) and the Atlanta Braves (9-26) at Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium, Danny Duffy (0-0, 3.00 ERA) and Matt Wisler (1-3, 3.27 ERA) get the ball. The Braves won the last game 5-0, and the series is currently tied 1-1. The game starts at 2:15 p.m. ET on Sunday, May. 15 and will air on FSKC and FSSO.
In his most recent outing, Duffy pitched 1.0 inning, allowing zero runs and striking out one in a 7-3 victory over the Yankees. Eric Hosmer (.336, 19 Rs, 6 HRs, 16 RBIs, 3 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday. The Braves were unsuccessful the last time Wisler pitched. He tossed 8.0 innings, giving up three runs, striking out two and walking two in a 3-2 loss to the Phillies. Mallex Smith (.241, 11 Rs, 1 HR, 9 RBIs, 6 SBs) has been hitting the ball well, going 3 for 4 yesterday with one run.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is currently unavailable. The Royals have a 7-22 record SU against the National League. The most recent 10-game stretch for the Royals has gone great. Over that span, Kansas City is averaging 0.0 runs per game, well over their season average of 0.0. They have been a terror on the base paths, ranking second in all of baseball with 27 steals. 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.
Against teams in the American League, the Braves are 14-15 SU. Atlanta has been playing better lately, averaging 0.0 runs per game, more than their season average of 0.0. 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
Atlanta has won 25% (3-9) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Kansas City has won 44% (7-9) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Braves are coming into this game after allowing no walks during their last outing. The Royals have a 1-2 record when opponents don’t give up any walks.
When they outhit their opponents, the Braves are 6-6. The Royals have a 12-7 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 30th in runs, Atlanta has earned 107 this season. Kansas City ranks 26th with 127 runs.
Kansas City and Atlanta both rank near the bottom of the league in walks. Kansas City sits at 29th with 85 this season and Atlanta ranks 25th with 99.
When the Royals hit at least one home run, they are 13-10. When the Braves hit at least one homer, they have a 2-6 record.
