Danny Duffy (0-0, 2.13 ERA) takes the mound for the Kansas City Royals (24-22) as they go up against Miguel Gonzalez (0-1, 4.57 ERA) and the Chicago White Sox (27-21) in the first of a three-game series at Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium. The game starts at 8:15 p.m. ET on Friday, May. 27 and will air on CSCh and FSKC.
In his most recent outing, Duffy pitched 4.1 innings, giving up zero runs and striking out three in a 2-1 victory over the White Sox. Eric Hosmer (.297, 24 Rs, 8 HRs, 23 RBIs, 3 SBs) went 1 for 4 Wednesday with one run and two RBIs. The White Sox were unsuccessful against the Royals 2-1 the last time Gonzalez pitched. He went 6.0 innings, allowing two runs and striking out eight.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is presently unavailable. The Royals have a SU record of 9-6 against teams in their division. Over their past 10 games, Kansas City’s offense has been playing lights out, averaging 0.0 runs per game, well over their season average of 0.0. They have been a terror on the base paths, ranking third in all of baseball with 34 steals. Kansas City’s pitching staff has put it all together in the past 10 games. Its average runs allowed per game dropped to 0.0 during that span, compared to its 0.0 season average.
Against divisional foes, the White Sox are 10-5 SU. Chicago has been playing better lately, averaging 0.0 runs per game, more than their season average of 0.0. Chicago’s pitching staff and defense as a whole have been firing on all cylinders so far, ranking fourth in the AL with only 0.0 runs allowed per game.
The Royals are 2-1 against the White Sox this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – CWS
Notes
The White Sox lost their last game by a one-run margin. In games decided by one run, the Royals are 7-5. The White Sox are 9-8 in close games this season.
When leading after seven innings, Chicago is 13-10, while Kansas City is 9-10.
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 bottom half at 16th 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.
