In the second of a four-game series between the Cleveland Indians (28-24) and the Kansas City Royals (30-23) at Progressive Field, Danny Salazar (5-3, 2.39 ERA) and Edinson Volquez (5-4, 3.74 ERA) get the start. The Indians won the last game 5-4, and Cleveland leads the series 1-0. The game gets underway at 7:10 p.m. ET on Friday, Jun. 3 and will air on STOh and FSKC.
In his last start, Salazar pitched 6.0 innings, allowing two runs, striking out five and walking two in an 11-4 victory over the Orioles. Mike Napoli (.235, 35 Rs, 12 HRs, 39 RBIs, 2 SBs) continued his strong season yesterday, going 2 for 4 with two runs and one RBI. The Royals were also victorious the last time Volquez pitched. He went 6.0 innings, giving up three runs, striking out five and walking one in a 5-4 victory over the White Sox. Lorenzo Cain (.307, 30 Rs, 8 HRs, 34 RBIs, 6 SBs) has been doing well, going 2 for 5 yesterday.
The odds are even for this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable at the moment. Against teams in the AL Central, the Indians have a SU record of 13-6. The Indians have one of the most prolific home offenses in the entire AL, averaging 5.3 runs per game. The Indians are a nightmare on the bases for opponents with 38 steals, one of the highest totals in baseball. Cleveland’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 divisional opponents, the Royals are 15-7 SU. 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 39 steals on the year, making them one of the most threatening base-running teams in the league. Kansas City’s pitching staff has allowed an average of 0.0 runs per game during the last 10 games, lower than their season average of 0.0. They also have some of the most overpowering arms in the AL with an average of 6.8 strikeouts per road game.
In their previous four games this season, the Indians have a 3-1 record.
Predictions: SU Winner – CLE
Notes
The Royals lost their last game by a one-run margin. In games decided by one run, the Indians are 10-8. The Royals are 9-6 in close games this season.
When leading after seven innings, Kansas City is 12-10, while Cleveland is 11-12.
The Royals are coming off of a weak pitching game where they recorded five strikeouts. The Indians have a record of 12-3 when opponents’ pitchers have five strikeouts or less.
When they outhit their opponents, the Royals are 24-9. The Indians have an 18-5 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 21st in runs, Kansas City has earned 220 this season. Cleveland ranks ninth with 248 runs.
Ranking 30th, Kansas City is at the bottom of the league in walks, notching 122 this season. Cleveland ranks in the top half at 11th with 178.
When the Indians hit at least one home run, they are 16-17. When the Royals hit at least one homer, they have a 22-12 record.
