In the first of a three-game series between the Kansas City Royals (18-19) and the Boston Red Sox (24-14) at Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium, Yordano Ventura (3-2, 4.62 ERA) and Rick Porcello (6-1, 3.11 ERA) take the mound. The game starts at 7:05 p.m. ET on Monday, May. 16 and will air on ESPN, NESN and FSKC.
In his last start, Ventura pitched 6.0 innings, giving up three runs, striking out one and walking three in a 7-3 victory over the Yankees. Eric Hosmer (.336, 19 Rs, 6 HRs, 17 RBIs, 3 SBs) continued his strong season yesterday, going 2 for 6 with one RBI. The Red Sox were victorious over the Athletics 13-3 the last time Porcello pitched. He went 6.2 innings, allowing three runs, striking out five and walking two. David Ortiz (.320, 20 Rs, 10 HRs, 33 RBIs, 1 SB) has been hitting the ball well for the Red Sox, going 3 for 5 yesterday with one run, one home run, and three RBIs.
The odds are even for this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is presently unavailable. Kansas City has averaged 0.0 runs per game over the last 10 games, higher than its season average of 0.0. They have been a terror on the base paths, ranking third in all of baseball with 28 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.
They sport the top-ranked offense in the AL, averaging 0.0 runs per game. Boston is the top hitting team in the league, converting .298 of their at-bats for hits. The Red Sox have racked up 30 steals on the year, making them one of the most threatening base-running teams in the league. The last 10 games have really brought the best out of the Boston pitchers. They’ve allowed 0.0 runs per game during that span, which is lower than their season average of 0.0. They also average just 7.1 hits allowed per road game, third-best in the AL.
Predictions: SU Winner – BOS
Notes
Boston recorded at least two errors for the first time this season.
The Royals managed to give up four walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Red Sox who are coming in with a 12-4 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Red Sox are 1-9. The Royals have a 3-11 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 26th in home runs, Kansas City has hit 33 this season. Boston ranks 10th with 45 home runs.
Boston tops the league in hits with 10.66 per game this season. Kansas City ranks in the top half at 12th with 8.59.
Boston tops the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage of .850 this season. Kansas City ranks near the bottom at 23rd with an OPS of .693.
The Red Sox are 15-10 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Royals are 9-13 when they allow at least one homer.
