Yordano Ventura (7-7, 4.82 ERA) and the Kansas City Royals (73-47) are in Boston to meet Matt Barnes (3-3, 6.59 ERA) and the Red Sox (55-66) in a game that could have plenty of offense. This is the third of a four-game series at Fenway Park. The Red Sox won the last game 7-2 and Boston leads the series 2-0. The game starts at 7:10 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 22 and will air on FSKC and NESN.
In his last start, Barnes pitched 5.0 innings, allowing six runs, striking out seven and walking three in an 8-2 loss to the Indians. The Royals were unsuccessful to the Angels 4-3 the last time Ventura pitched. He went 7.0 innings, allowing two runs, striking out seven and walking one. Eric Hosmer (.315, 73 Rs, 14 HRs, 72 RBIs, 5 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday.
Boston is a +131 underdog in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is nine runs. The Red Sox are 22-28 as the underdog and have an overall money line of -1,758. Over the last 10 games, they have had a very good record when playing as the underdog (3-1). Boston has averaged 8.3 runs per game over the last 10 games, higher than its season average of 4.5. The Red Sox typically don’t swing at bad pitches, which has led to an impressive 3.0 walks per game.
Moving on to the opposing team, the Royals come into this game with a solid win percentage of .656 when playing as the favorite (42-22) and an overall money line of +2,350. They have played at the top of their game when rated as favorite recently. They managed a 6-1 record when playing as the favorite and an SU record of 7-3. One of the top hitting teams in the AL are the Royals, who average 9.2 hits per game. Kansas City is a terror on the base paths, ranking fifth in the MLB with 82 stolen bases.
The Red Sox are 4-1 against the Royals this season. This game will feature Ventura (RHP) on the mound against the Red Sox, who have a 41-46 record when they take on a right-handed starter. Taking the hill against the Royals will be the right-hander Barnes. Right-handed starters haven’t been a big issue for them as they sport a 50-28 record.
Predictions: SU Winner – KC, O/U – Over
Notes
Boston has won 47% (28-31) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, Kansas City has won 64% (29-16) of its games when taking a late lead.
Having scored zero runs in their last game, the Royals are going to have to up their game if they want to win this matchup. The Red Sox have a 5-0 record in games where opponents scored that many runs.
When they outhit their opponents, the Red Sox are 44-7. The Royals have a 58-8 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 12th in runs, Kansas City has earned 521 this season. Boston ranks third with 548 runs.
Ranking 30th, Kansas City is at the bottom of the league in walks, notching 270 this season. Boston ranks in the top 10 at 10th with 363.
When the Red Sox hit at least one home run, they are 40-38. When the Royals hit at least one homer, they have a 49-19 record.
