Anibal Sanchez (6-12, 6.31 ERA) and Yordano Ventura (8-9, 4.60 ERA) start in the last of a three-game series between the Detroit Tigers (63-56) and the Kansas City Royals (59-60) at Comerica Park. The Royals won the last game 6-1, and Kansas City leads the series 2-0. Action begins at 7:10 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Aug. 17 and can be seen on FSKC and FSDT.
Sanchez pitched 4.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering eight runs, striking out four and walking two in an 8-5 defeat to the Rangers. J.D. Martinez (.305, 45 Rs, 16 HRs, 45 RBIs, 1 SB) went 1 for 4 yesterday. Ventura went 7.0 innings, surrendering three runs, striking out nine and walking one in a 7-3 win over the Twins in his last outing. Kendrys Morales (.243, 42 Rs, 20 HRs, 56 RBIs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and one RBI.
Detroit is a -130 favorite against Kansas City and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is sitting at nine runs. The Tigers have recorded an overall money line of +1,351 and have shown high-level performance as a favorite this season with a record of 31-14. Within their division, Detroit has a notable 13-7 record as the favorite but a 20-25 SU. The Tigers have seen a decline in scoring as of late, averaging 3.2 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 4.7 runs per game. Detroit’s pitchers fall apart when division rivals are on the field. Its average runs allowed per game rises to 5.1 against fellow AL Central members, compared to its 4.5 season average. The Tigers are the fifth-best team in the AL at limiting walks during home games, allowing only 2.6 walks per game to their opponents this season.
As for their opponent, in contrast to an encouraging overall money line (+132), Kansas City has an unimpressive 30-48 record when playing as the underdog. They are 13-15 as the underdog against AL Central opponents, and 28-17 SU. Offensively, the Royals have really picked up the pace in division games. They have exceeded their season average of 3.9 runs per game by averaging 4.8 in those contests. The Royals are tough outs for opponents, ranking fifth in the AL with 9.0 hits per game. Kansas City is excellent at making contact with just 7.4 strikeouts per game, ranking fifth in the AL. The Royals allow 4.3 runs per game, but have improved upon those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 3.0 runs per game during that span.
The Royals lead the season series, 8-4. The Tigers have a 46-38 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Ventura takes the mound. Sanchez (RHP) will be on the hill against the Royals, who have a 44-45 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – DET, O/U – Under
Notes
Kansas City has won 45% (24-29) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Detroit has won 55% (31-25) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Royals are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Tigers have a 22-34 record when opponents give up two walks or less.
When they are outhit, the Royals are 6-41. The Tigers have a 10-40 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 27th in home runs, Kansas City has hit 102 this season. Detroit ranks sixth with 156 home runs.
Detroit and Kansas City both rank in the top five of the league in hits. Detroit sits at second with 9.25 hits per game and Kansas City ranks fifth with 9.00.
Ranking 26th, Kansas City is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.710). Detroit ranks in the top 10 at seventh with an OPS of .763.
When the Royals allow at least one home run, they are 38-49, well-matched with the Tigers who are 32-39 when allowing at least one homer.
