Danny Duffy (11-1, 2.66 ERA) gets the ball for the Kansas City Royals (67-61) as they go up against David Price (12-8, 4.00 ERA) and the Boston Red Sox (71-57) in the second of a three-game series at Fenway Park. The Royals won the last game 6-3, and Kansas City leads the series 1-0. The game gets underway at 7:10 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 27 and will air on NESN and FSKC.
In his last start, Price pitched 8.0 innings, allowing zero runs, striking out eight and walking two in a 6-2 victory over the Rays. Mookie Betts (.320, 98 Rs, 28 HRs, 93 RBIs, 21 SBs) continued his strong season yesterday, going 5 for 5 with two RBIs. The Royals were also victorious the last time Duffy pitched. He had a good outing, pitching 6.2 innings, allowing one run, striking out four and walking two in a 2-1 victory over the Twins. Kendrys Morales (.246, 44 Rs, 20 HRs, 58 RBIs) has been doing well offensively for the Royals, going 2 for 4 yesterday with one run.
Boston, a -159 favorite, will look to capitalize at home against Kansas City. The Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is set at eight runs. When playing as the favorite, the Red Sox have a 53-39 record and overall money line at -187. They are 5-2 as the favorite over their last 10 games. The Red Sox lead the majors in extra base hits with 465. Boston’s pitching staff has put it all together in the past 10 games. Its average runs allowed per game dropped to 3.1 during that span, compared to its 4.5 season average.
Across the field, the Royals have a record of 34-49 when they are the underdog and are +840 overall with the money line. They have played at the top of their game when rated as the underdog as of late. They managed a 5-1 record when playing as the underdog and a SU record of 9-1. The last 10 games have really brought the best out of the Kansas City pitchers. They’ve allowed 1.4 runs per game during that span, which is lower than their season average of 4.1.
In their previous four games this season, the Royals have a 3-1 record. The Red Sox will take on a left-hander (Duffy) in this game and have a 16-14 record against left-handed starting pitchers this season. The left-handed Price will take the mound against the Royals, who have a 15-15 record against lefty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – BOS, O/U – Under
Notes
The Red Sox managed to give up four walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Royals who are coming in with a 19-7 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
It looks like the Royals have a slight leg up on the Red Sox, as the Royals have won their last two games while the Red Sox have lost their last three.
When they outhit their opponents, the Royals are 51-17. The Red Sox have a 62-16 record when outhitting opponents.
Boston ranks at the top of the league when it comes to runs with 690 this season. Kansas City ranks near the bottom at 27th with 507.
Ranking 30th, Kansas City is at the bottom of the league in walks, notching 299 this season. Boston ranks in the top 10 at seventh with 430.
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 45-33 record.
