Masahiro Tanaka (1-0, 2.29 ERA) takes the mound for the New York Yankees (12-18) as they go up against Kris Medlen (1-3, 6.85 ERA) and the Kansas City Royals (15-16) in the second of a four-game series at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees won the last game 6-3, and New York leads the series 1-0. The game starts at 7:05 p.m. ET on Tuesday, May. 10 and will air on FSKC and YES.
In his last start, Tanaka pitched 8.0 innings, giving up zero runs, striking out seven and walking one in a 1-0 loss to the Orioles. Starlin Castro (.296, 8 Rs, 3 HRs, 12 RBIs, 2 SBs) went 1 for 3 yesterday. The Royals were unsuccessful against the Nationals 13-2 the last time Medlen pitched. He went 2.0 innings, allowing nine runs (three unearned), striking out two and walking one. Eric Hosmer (.336, 16 Rs, 6 HRs, 16 RBIs, 3 SBs) went 1 for 3 yesterday with one run, one home run, and one RBI.
The odds are even for this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is presently unavailable. The most recent 10-game stretch for the Yankees has gone great. Over that span, New York is averaging 0.0 runs per game, well over their season average of 0.0. The Yankees are a nightmare on the bases for opponents with 23 steals, one of the highest totals in baseball. The most recent 10 game stretch for New York’s pitching staff has gone great. Over that span, New York’s opponents are averaging 0.0 runs per game, below their season average of 0.0. The Yankees are the best in the AL in walks allowed, giving up just 2.2 per game.
Kansas City has been playing better lately, averaging 0.0 runs per game, more than their season average of 0.0. Kansas City is a terror on the base paths, ranking third in the MLB with 24 stolen bases. 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. The Kansas City pitching staff has been an intimidating group on the road this year, averaging 6.8 strikeouts per game.
The only other game between the two teams went New York’s way.
Predictions: SU Winner – NYY
Notes
The Yankees are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Royals have a 10-11 record when opponents give up two walks or less.
When they are outhit, the Yankees are 2-15. The Royals have a 3-9 record when opponents outhit them.
Both falling near the bottom of the league based on total home runs this season, New York ranks 21st with 30 homers and Kansas City is 25th with 25.
Ranking 25th, New York is near the bottom of the league in hits, notching 7.67 per game. Kansas City ranks in the top half at 12th with 8.52.
New York and Kansas City both rank near the bottom of the league for their on-base plus slugging percentage. New York sits at 28th with an OPS of .672, and Kansas City ranks 24th with an OPS of .685.
When the Royals allow at least one home run, they are 8-12, well-matched with the Yankees who are 7-13 when allowing at least one homer.
