Eduardo Rodriguez (2-5, 5.11 ERA) and Yordano Ventura (9-9, 4.27 ERA) take the hill in the last of a three-game series between the Boston Red Sox (72-57) and the Kansas City Royals (67-62) at Fenway Park. The Red Sox won the last game 8-3, and the series is currently tied 1-1. Action begins at 8:08 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 28 and can be seen on ESPN.
Rodriguez pitched 4.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering zero runs, striking out seven and walking two in a 5-3 win over the Orioles. David Ortiz (.318, 62 Rs, 30 HRs, 100 RBIs, 2 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday. Ventura went 6.0 innings, surrendering zero runs, striking out six and walking one in a 1-0 win over the Marlins in his last outing.
Boston is a -141 favorite against Kansas City and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is sitting at nine runs. The Red Sox have an overall money line of -242 and a record as the favorite of 54-40. The Red Sox lead the MLB in extra base hits with 471.
In games where it is the underdog, Kansas City has a 35-50 record and an overall money line of +885. The Royals allow 4.1 runs per game, but have improved upon those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 2.3 runs per game during that span.
The Royals lead the season series, 3-2. The Red Sox have a 55-43 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Ventura takes the mound. Rodriguez (LHP) will be on the hill against the Royals, who have a 15-16 record against left-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – BOS, O/U – Under
Notes
The Red Sox are coming off of a hot pitching game where they recorded nine strikeouts. The Royals have a record of 23-23 when they are struck out that many times or more.
When they are outhit, the Royals are 9-42. The Red Sox have an 8-35 record when opponents outhit them.
Kansas City ranks near the bottom of the league at 27th when it comes to home runs, hitting 114 this season. Boston ranks in the top 10 with 164.
Boston ranks at the top of the league when it comes to hits with 9.93 per game this season. Kansas City ranks in the top five at fourth with 8.96.
Ranking first in on-base plus slugging percentage, Boston has an OPS of .818 this season. Kansas City ranks 26th with an OPS of .713.
When the Royals allow at least one home run, they are 41-50, well-matched with the Red Sox who are 43-46 when allowing at least one homer.
