In the first of a four-game series between the Boston Red Sox (54-66) and the Kansas City Royals (73-46) at Fenway Park, Wade Miley (9-9, 4.58 ERA) and Danny Duffy (6-5, 4.03 ERA) get the start. The Royals enter this series on a five-game winning streak. The game gets underway at 7:10 p.m. ET on Thursday, Aug. 20 and will air on FSKC and NESN.
In his most recent outing, Miley pitched 7.0 innings, allowing two runs, striking out eight and walking three in a 22-10 victory over the Mariners. David Ortiz (.268, 55 Rs, 26 HRs, 75 RBIs) continued his strong season yesterday, going 2 for 4 with one run, one home run, and one RBI. The Royals were also victorious the last time Duffy pitched. He pitched well, going 6.0 innings, giving up one run and striking out two in a 4-1 victory over the Angels. Lorenzo Cain (.311, 75 Rs, 12 HRs, 54 RBIs, 24 SBs) went 1 for 5 yesterday with two RBIs.
Boston is a small +100 underdog in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is nine runs. When playing as the underdog, the Red Sox have a 22-28 record and overall money line at -1,858. Boston has averaged 8.5 runs per game over the last 10 games, higher than its season average of 4.5. They have been very patient at the plate, ranking fifth in the AL with an average of 3.0 walks per game. Boston’s pitching staff will be looking to pick it up in this one after recent struggles. The Red Sox have given up an average of 6.2 runs to opponents in their last 10 games, above their season average of 4.9 runs per game.
Moving on to the opposing team, the Royals come into this game with a solid win percentage of .651 when playing as the favorite (41-22) and an overall money line of +2,352. Over the past 10 matchups, they are 8-2 SU and have played well as the favorite with a 7-1 record. Kansas City is one of the top hitting teams in the AL with an average of 9.2 hits per contest. Kansas City is a terror on the base paths, ranking fifth in the MLB with 82 stolen bases.
In their previous three games this season, the Red Sox have a 2-1 record. The Red Sox will take on a left-hander (Duffy) in this game and have a 13-20 record against left-handed starting pitchers this season. Taking the hill against the Royals will be the left-hander Miley. They sport a 23-18 record against southpaws.
Predictions: SU Winner – KC, O/U – Over
Notes
Boston recorded at least two errors for the 15th time this season.
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 22-11 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Red Sox are 11-55. The Royals have an 11-37 record when opponents outhit them.
Kansas City ranks near the bottom of the league at 27th when it comes to home runs, hitting 93 this season. Boston ranks in the top half at 13th with 117.
Boston and Kansas City both rank in the top five of the league in hits. Boston sits at second with 9.18 hits per game and Kansas City ranks third with 9.17.
Ranking 12th, Kansas City is in the top half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.731). Boston ranks in the top 10 at eighth with an OPS of .738.
The Royals are 33-32 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Red Sox are 27-55 when they allow at least one homer.
