Steven Wright (13-5, 3.01 ERA) and the Boston Red Sox (71-56) meet Ian Kennedy (8-9, 3.58 ERA) and the Kansas City Royals (66-61) in the first of a three-game series at Fenway Park. The game gets underway at 7:10 p.m. ET on Friday, Aug. 26 and will air on NESN and FSKC.
In his most recent outing, Wright pitched 9.0 innings, allowing zero runs, striking out nine and walking one in a 9-0 victory over the Dodgers. Mookie Betts (.314, 98 Rs, 28 HRs, 91 RBIs, 21 SBs) went 1 for 3 yesterday with one RBI. The Royals were also victorious the last time Kennedy pitched. He pitched well, going 8.0 innings, allowing zero runs and striking out six in a 10-0 victory over the Twins.
Boston, a -147 favorite, will look to capitalize at home against Kansas City. The Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is set at nine runs. The Red Sox are 53-39 as the favorite and have an overall money line of -187. They are 5-2 as the favorite over their last 10 games. The Red Sox are a dangerous hitting team with an MLB-best 463 extra base hits. The most recent 10 game stretch for Boston’s pitching staff has gone great. Over that span, Boston’s opponents are averaging 3.1 runs per game, below their season average of 4.5.
Switching gears, the Royals come into this game with a win percentage of .402 when playing as the underdog (33-49) and an overall money line of +737. Over the past 10 matchups, the team is 9-1 SU and has played well as the underdog with a 5-1 record. Kansas City has been playing better lately, averaging 5.0 runs per game, more than their season average of 3.9. Kansas City’s pitching staff has allowed an average of 1.6 runs per game during the last 10 games, lower than their season average of 4.1.
The Royals are 2-1 against the Red Sox this season. The Red Sox will take on a right-hander (Kennedy) in this game and have a 55-42 record against right-handed starting pitchers this season. The right-handed Wright will take the mound against the Royals, who have a 50-46 record against righty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – BOS, O/U – Under
Notes
Kansas City has won 46% (25-29) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Boston has won 57% (35-26) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Royals are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Red Sox have a 22-26 record when opponents give up two walks or less.
When they outhit their opponents, the Royals are 51-17. The Red Sox have a 62-15 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking first in runs, Boston has earned 687 this season. Kansas City ranks 27th with 501 runs.
Ranking 30th, Kansas City is at the bottom of the league in walks, notching 295 this season. Boston ranks in the top 10 at seventh with 428.
When the Red Sox hit at least one home run, they are 58-38. When the Royals hit at least one homer, they have a 44-33 record.
