Danny Duffy (8-1, 2.97 ERA) and Miguel Gonzalez (2-6, 4.09 ERA) take the hill in the last of a three-game series between the Kansas City Royals (54-59) and the Chicago White Sox (54-59) at Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium. The Royals won the last game 3-2, and the series is currently tied 1-1. Action begins at 8:15 p.m. ET on Thursday, Aug. 11 and can be seen on WPWR and FSKC.
Duffy pitched 6.2 innings in his last outing, surrendering two runs, striking out six and walking two in a 4-2 win over the Blue Jays. Kendrys Morales (.244, 40 Rs, 18 HRs, 54 RBIs) had another good game yesterday, going 2 for 4. Gonzalez went 6.0 innings, surrendering four runs (one unearned) and striking out one in a 7-5 defeat to the Orioles in his most recent start. Todd Frazier (.212, 63 Rs, 31 HRs, 72 RBIs, 8 SBs) went 1 for 6 yesterday with one run.
Kansas City is a -170 favorite against Chicago and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is sitting at eight runs. Though the Royals have had a tough season in terms of their overall money line (-302), they have done fairly well as a favorite with a record of 26-12. Kansas City has had an impressive season against division opponents, earning 13-2 and 23-16 records as the favorite and SU, respectively. The Royals have seen an uptick in scoring against teams inside their division, averaging 4.8 runs per game. They average 3.9 runs per game on the season.
In games where it is the underdog, Chicago has a 24-35 record and an overall money line of -516. They have played poorly as the underdog with a 4-13 record against AL Central opponents, and a 4-6 record SU.
The Royals have controlled the season series, 8-3. The Royals have a 42-44 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Gonzalez takes the mound. Duffy (LHP) will be on the hill against the White Sox, who have an 11-10 record against left-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – KC, O/U – Under
Notes
The White Sox lost their last game by a one-run margin. In games decided by one run, the Royals are 16-15. The White Sox are 19-21 in close games this season.
The Royals managed to give up four walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the White Sox who are coming in with a 27-12 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Royals are 5-40. The White Sox have an 8-45 record when opponents outhit them.
Kansas City and Chicago both rank near the bottom of the league in home runs. Kansas City sits at 27th with 95 home runs this season and Chicago ranks 23rd with 114.
Kansas City and Chicago both rank in the top 10 of the league in hits. Kansas City sits at seventh with 8.95 hits per game and Chicago ranks 10th with 8.51.
Kansas City and Chicago both rank near the bottom of the league for their on-base plus slugging percentage. Kansas City sits at 25th with an OPS of .708, and Chicago ranks 22nd with an OPS of .713.
The White Sox are 31-42 when they allow at least one home run. The Royals perform similarly when they allow one or more homers with a 34-48 record.
