Ian Kennedy (7-9, 3.78 ERA) and the Kansas City Royals (62-60) meet Hector Santiago (10-7, 4.80 ERA) and the Minnesota Twins (49-73) in the third of a four-game division series at Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium. The Royals won the last game 5-4, extending a six-game winning streak. The game starts at 7:15 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 20 and will air on FSKC and FSN.
In his last start, Kennedy pitched 6.2 innings, giving up one run, striking out five and walking one in a 3-1 victory over the Tigers. Kendrys Morales (.243, 43 Rs, 20 HRs, 57 RBIs) went 1 for 5 yesterday. The Twins were unsuccessful the last time Santiago pitched. He struggled, going 4.0 innings, allowing seven runs and striking out two in an 11-4 loss to the Royals. Brian Dozier (.269, 75 Rs, 28 HRs, 74 RBIs, 9 SBs) has been doing well offensively for the Twins, going 2 for 4 yesterday with two runs, one home run, one RBI, and one stolen base.
Kansas City is a -138 favorite in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is set at nine runs. The Royals have a winning record of 29-12 when playing as the favorite and an overall money line of +437. They are 8-2 SU and perfect as the favorite (3-0) in their last 10 games. The most recent 10-game stretch for the Royals has gone great. Over that span, Kansas City is averaging 5.2 runs per game, well over their season average of 4.0. The Royals rank third in the AL in hits at home with 9.5 per game. They typically aren’t overmatched by pitchers, ranking fifth in the AL with an average of only 7.5 strikeouts per game. The most recent 10 game stretch for Kansas City’s pitching staff has gone great. Over that span, Kansas City’s opponents are averaging 2.6 runs per game, below their season average of 4.2.
On the other side, the Twins have a record of 37-55 when they are the underdog and are -1,282 overall with the money line. Against teams in their division, they are 15-29 SU and have played poorly as the underdog with a 12-21 record. Within their division, Minnesota’s offense has been struggling. Minnesota has averaged 4.1 runs per game, compared to 4.6 for the duration of the season. Minnesota has an eye for the strike zone, ranking fourth in the AL with 3.2 walks per game. Minnesota’s pitching staff has allowed an average of 6.7 runs per game during the last 10 games, higher than their season average of 5.3. They also allow just 2.6 walks per game, good for second in the AL.
The Royals have gotten the best of the Twins in head-to-head matchups this season, going 9-2. This game will feature Santiago (LHP) on the mound against the Royals, who have a 14-15 record when they take on a left-handed starter. Taking the hill against the Twins will be the right-hander Kennedy. Right-handed starters have been a big issue for them as they sport a 34-57 record.
Predictions: SU Winner – KC, O/U – Under
Notes
Kansas City 5-0-1 SU in its last 6 games.
Kansas City 5-1-1 SU in its last 7 games at home.
Kansas City 11-2-1 SU in its last 14 games when playing Minnesota.
The Royals sit at 32-17 against the division, while the Twins are struggling at 15-30.
Kansas City has won 45% (24-29) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Minnesota has won 50% (27-27) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Twins managed to give up seven walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Royals who are heading in with a 2-0 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Twins are 8-61. The Royals have a 6-41 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 27th in home runs, Kansas City has hit 105 this season. Minnesota ranks 15th with 147 home runs.
Kansas City and Minnesota both rank in the top 10 of the league in hits. Kansas City sits at sixth with 8.94 hits per game and Minnesota ranks seventh with 8.93.
Ranking 26th, Kansas City is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.711). Minnesota ranks in the top half at 13th with an OPS of .752.
When the Twins allow at least one home run, they are 35-60. When the Royals allow one or more homers, they have a 41-49 record.
