Danny Duffy (0-0, 2.13 ERA) is on the hill for the Kansas City Royals (24-22) as they square off against Miguel Gonzalez (0-1, 4.57 ERA) and the Chicago White Sox (27-21) in the first of a four-game series at Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium. Action begins at 8:15 p.m. ET on Thursday, May. 26 and can be seen on CSCh and FSKC.
Duffy pitched 4.1 innings in his most recent start, surrendering zero runs and striking out three in a 2-1 win over the White Sox. Eric Hosmer (.297, 24 Rs, 8 HRs, 23 RBIs, 3 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run and two RBIs. Gonzalez went 6.0 innings, surrendering two runs and striking out eight in a 2-1 defeat to the Royals in his last outing.
The odds for Kansas City and Chicago are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is currently not available. Within its division, Kansas City has a record of 9-6 SU. The Royals have seen an uptick in scoring as of late, averaging 0.0 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 0.0 runs per game. Kansas City is one of the best in the MLB in terms of steals, swiping 34 bases. Kansas City’s pitching staff has been doing better against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, only allowing an average of 0.0 runs per game, well under their season average of 0.0.
The White Sox are 10-5 against fellow AL Central members. Offensively, the White Sox have really picked up the pace in the last 10 games. They have exceeded their season average of 0.0 runs per game by averaging 0.0 during that stretch. Shifting to the pitching staff and defense, the White Sox allow just 0.0 runs per game, ranking them fourth in the AL.
The Royals lead the season series, 2-1.
Predictions: SU Winner – CWS
Notes
In their last game, the White Sox lost by a margin of one run. The Royals are 7-5 in one-run games. The White Sox have a 9-8 record in close games.
Kansas City has won 47% (9-10) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Chicago has won 57% (13-10) of its games when taking a late lead.
The White Sox are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Royals have a 7-9 record when opponents give up one walk or less.
When they outhit their opponents, the Royals are 18-8. The White Sox have a 21-3 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 26th, Kansas City is near the bottom of the league in runs, scoring 174 this season. Chicago ranks in the top half at 14th with 196.
Ranking 30th, Kansas City is at the bottom of the league in walks, notching 101 this season. Chicago ranks in the top 10 with 160.
The Royals are 18-11 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The White Sox are 18-13 when they hit at least one homer.
