Jason Vargas (3-1, 5.26 ERA) and the Kansas City Royals (19-11) are in Detroit to go up against Shane Greene (3-2, 5.56 ERA) and the Tigers (19-12) in a game that could have plenty of offense. This is the last of a three-game series at Comerica Park. The Royals won the last game 6-2 and the series is currently tied 1-1. The game gets underway at 8:05 p.m. ET on Sunday, May. 10 and will air on ESPN.
In his last start, Greene pitched 2.2 innings, giving up five runs, striking out one and walking four in a 5-2 loss to the White Sox. In his pitching opportunities against the Tigers, Vargas is 3-4 with a 5.37 ERA. He meets a strong Detroit offense that’s batting .276. Eric Hosmer (.322, 19 Rs, 5 HRs, 25 RBIs, 2 SBs) has been hitting the ball well for the Royals, going 2 for 5 yesterday with two RBIs.
The odds are even for this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is presently unavailable. Against teams in the AL Central, the Tigers have an SU record of 16-7. The Tigers seem to play better against their division opponents, averaging 5.2 runs per game, well over their season average of 4.5. The Tigers are a nightmare for opponents on the bases with 28 steals, one of the highest totals in baseball. Turning to the pitching staff, the Tigers don’t give up many walks to opposing batters, ranking second in the AL with only 2.5 walks allowed per game.
Against divisional foes, the Royals are 13-10 SU. The top hitting team in the AL are the Royals, who average 10.2 hits per game. Opposing pitchers have routinely struggled to strike out the Kansas City batters, who average an AL-low 5.8 strikeouts per game. Shifting to the pitching staff, they have a WHIP of 1.15, fifth best in the MLB.
This game will feature Vargas (RHP) on the mound against the Tigers, who have a 13-8 record when they take on a right-handed starter. The right-handed Greene will take the mound against the Royals, who have a 10-7 record against righty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – KC
Notes
When leading after 7 innings, Kansas City is 8-3, while Detroit is 9-4.
The Tigers are coming off of a weak pitching game where they recorded five strikeouts. The Royals have a record of 11-6 when opponents’ pitchers have that many strikeouts or fewer.
When they are outhit, the Royals are 0-6. The Tigers have a 1-9 record when opponents outhit them.
Both falling in the bottom half of the league based on total home runs this season, Detroit ranks 16th with 25 homers and Kansas City is 19th with 24.
Ranking first in hits, Kansas City has earned 10.24 per game this season. Detroit ranks second with 9.30 hits.
Ranking sixth, Detroit is in the top 10 of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.761). Kansas City ranks in the top five at second with an OPS of .787.
The Royals are 11-6 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Tigers are 6-8 when they allow at least one homer.
