Danny Salazar (2-2, 2.40 ERA) and the Cleveland Indians (13-12) meet Yordano Ventura (2-1, 3.67 ERA) and the Kansas City Royals (14-13) in the first of a three-game division series at Progressive Field. The game starts at 7:10 p.m. ET on Friday, May. 6 and will air on STOh and FSKC.
In his most recent outing, Salazar pitched 7.0 innings, allowing two runs, striking out eight and walking two in a 2-1 loss to the Phillies. Mike Napoli (.225, 15 Rs, 5 HRs, 17 RBIs) played well again yesterday, going 2 for 5 with one run, one home run, and three RBIs. The Royals were also unsuccessful the last time Ventura pitched. He struggled, going 4.0 innings, giving up five runs, striking out one and walking six in a 6-0 loss to the Mariners. Eric Hosmer (.333, 11 Rs, 4 HRs, 12 RBIs, 3 SBs) went 1 for 3 Wednesday.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is presently unavailable. Against teams in the AL Central, the Indians have a SU record of 5-1. Over their past 10 games, Cleveland’s offense has been playing lights out, averaging 0.0 runs per game, well over their season average of 0.0. The most recent 10 game stretch for Cleveland’s pitching staff has gone great. Over that span, Cleveland’s opponents are averaging 0.0 runs per game, below their season average of 0.0. The Indians don’t give up many hits to opposing batters, ranking fourth in the AL with only 7.5 hits allowed per game.
Against divisional foes, the Royals are 8-3 SU. Kansas City has been playing better lately, averaging 0.0 runs per game, more than their season average of 0.0. The Royals have racked up 22 steals on the year, making them the most threatening base-running team in the league. Kansas City’s pitching staff has allowed an average of 0.0 runs per game during the last 10 games, lower than their season average of 0.0.
Predictions: SU Winner – CLE
Notes
For the second time this season, the Royals registered at least two errors in a game.
The Indians are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Royals have a 9-8 record when opponents give up two walks or less.
When outhit, the Indians and the Royals both have losing records. Cleveland has a 2-6 record in these situations while Kansas City is 3-9.
Both falling near the bottom of the league based on total home runs this season, Cleveland ranks 23rd with 24 homers and Kansas City is 28th with 21.
Cleveland and Kansas City both rank in the top half of the league in hits. Cleveland sits at 11th with 8.52 hits per game and Kansas City ranks 15th with 8.33.
Ranking 26th, Kansas City is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.679). Cleveland ranks in the bottom half at 18th with an OPS of .720.
When the Royals allow at least one home run, they are 8-10, well-matched with the Indians who are 8-9 when allowing at least one homer.
