Johnny Cueto (9-9, 2.94 ERA) and Justin Verlander (2-6, 3.45 ERA) take the hill in the first of a three-game series between the Kansas City Royals (80-50) and the Detroit Tigers (60-70) at Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium. Action begins at 8:10 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Sep. 1 and can be seen on FSKC and FSDT.
Cueto pitched 5.0 innings in his last outing, surrendering six runs, striking out eight and walking one in an 8-5 defeat to the Orioles. Eric Hosmer (.311, 80 Rs, 14 HRs, 77 RBIs, 6 SBs) continued his strong play Sunday, going 2 for 4. Verlander went 9.0 innings, surrendering zero runs, striking out nine and walking two in a 5-0 win over the Angels in his most recent start. J.D. Martinez (.289, 76 Rs, 34 HRs, 87 RBIs, 2 SBs) went 1 for 4 Sunday.
The odds for Kansas City and Detroit are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is currently not available. Within its division, Kansas City has a record of 32-19 SU. The Royals have no trouble scoring as they rank fifth in the AL in offense with 4.4 runs per game. The Royals are one of the best in the AL in terms of hits with an impressive 9.2 per game. Kansas City is one of the best in the MLB in terms of steals, swiping 87 bases.
The Tigers are 30-20 against AL Central foes. Offensively, the Tigers have really sputtered in the last 10 games. They have decreased their season average of 4.4 runs per game by averaging 2.8 during that stretch. The Tigers are tough outs for opponents, leading the AL with 9.3 hits per road game. The Tigers allow 4.9 runs per game, but have damaged those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 6.2 runs per game during that span.
The Royals lead the season series, 7-6. The Royals have a great 31-12 record at home (56-29 overall) against right-handed starting pitchers, which is what they’ll be facing when Verlander takes the mound. Cueto (RHP) will be on the hill against the Tigers, who have a 42-55 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – KC
Notes
Detroit has won 47% (28-31) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, Kansas City has won 66% (31-16) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Tigers are coming off of a weak pitching game where they recorded six strikeouts. The Royals have a record of 52-31 when opponents’ pitchers have that many strikeouts or fewer.
When they outhit their opponents, the Tigers are 50-17. The Royals have a 63-8 record when outhitting opponents.
Both falling in the top 10 of the league based on total runs this season, Kansas City ranks seventh with 569 runs and Detroit is eighth with 567.
Ranking 30th, Kansas City is at the bottom of the league in walks, notching 295 this season. Detroit ranks in the bottom half at 17th with 364.
When the Royals hit at least one home run, they are 55-21. When the Tigers hit at least one homer, they have a 44-33 record.
