In a game that could be a shootout, Chris Tillman (9-8, 4.51 ERA) and the Baltimore Orioles (63-63) are in Kansas City to take on Yordano Ventura (8-7, 4.64 ERA) and the Royals (77-49). This is the last of a four-game series at Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium. The Orioles won the last game 8-5 and Kansas City leads the series 2-1. Action begins at 2:10 p.m. ET on Thursday, Aug. 27 and can be seen on MASN, FSKC and MLBN.
Ventura pitched 6.0 innings in his last outing, surrendering one run, striking out six and walking one in a 6-3 win over the Red Sox. Lorenzo Cain (.311, 78 Rs, 12 HRs, 56 RBIs, 24 SBs) continued his strong play yesterday, going 2 for 4. Tillman went 6.2 innings, surrendering three runs, striking out six and walking two in a 3-2 defeat to the Twins in his most recent start. Chris Davis (.254, 73 Rs, 35 HRs, 91 RBIs, 2 SBs) has been successful at the plate for the Orioles, going 2 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and two RBIs.
Kansas City is a -140 favorite against Baltimore and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is sitting at eight runs. The Royals have recorded an overall money line of +2,610 and have shown high-level performance as a favorite this season with a record of 45-23. Kansas City is an impressive 6-1 as the favorite over its last 10 games. Kansas City is one of the best in the MLB in terms of steals, swiping 83 bases. Turning to the pitchers, opposing offenses that come to Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium have been stifled by the Royals, who have a team ERA of only 3.24 at home. The Royals 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.
In games where it is the underdog, Baltimore has a 22-32 record and an overall money line of -639. They have been on a bit of a dry streak over their last 10 games. They managed a 0-2 record when playing as the underdog. The Orioles can change the game with one swing of the bat, ranking third in the league with 167 home runs.
The Royals lead the season series, 2-1. The Royals have a great 30-12 record at home (53-28 overall) against right-handed starting pitchers, which is what they’ll be facing when Tillman takes the mound. Ventura (RHP) will be on the hill against the Orioles, who have a 45-50 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – KC, O/U – Over
Notes
The Royals are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Orioles have a 17-23 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
When they are outhit, the Orioles are 10-44. The Royals have a 12-40 record when opponents outhit them.
Kansas City ranks near the bottom of the league at 27th when it comes to home runs, hitting 100 this season. Baltimore ranks in the top five at third with 167.
Ranking 10th, Baltimore is in the top 10 of the league in hits, notching 8.61 per game. Kansas City ranks in the top five at third with 9.18.
Kansas City and Baltimore both rank in the top 10 of the league for their on-base plus slugging percentage. Kansas City sits at 10th with an OPS of .733 and Baltimore ranks eighth with an OPS of .735.
The Orioles are 36-44 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Royals are 35-34 when they allow at least one homer.
