Edinson Volquez (4-3, 2.95 ERA) and Chi Chi Gonzalez (1-0, 0.00 ERA) take the hill in the first of a three-game series between the Kansas City Royals (30-21) and the Texas Rangers (28-26) at Kauffman Stadium. Action begins at 8:10 p.m. ET on Friday, Jun. 5 and can be seen on FSN-SW and FSN-KC.
Volquez pitched 5.2 innings in his most recent start, surrendering three runs, striking out nine and walking one in an 8-4 defeat to the Cubs. Kendrys Morales (.303, 32 Rs, 6 HRs, 38 RBIs) went 1 for 3 yesterday. Chi Gonzalez went 5.2 innings, surrendering zero runs, striking out two and walking five in an 8-0 win over the Red Sox in his last outing. Prince Fielder (.358, 26 Rs, 10 HRs, 40 RBIs) has been successful at the plate for the Rangers, going 2 for 4 yesterday with one RBI.
Kansas City is a -156 favorite against Texas and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is sitting at eight runs. The Royals have recorded an overall money line of +945 and have shown high-level performance as a favorite this season with a record of 16-10. The Royals have seen a decline in scoring as of late, averaging 2.7 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 4.6 runs per game. The Royals have no trouble scoring as they rank third in the AL in offense with 4.6 runs per game. The Royals lead the MLB in batting average with a phenomenal team average of .274. Kansas City strikes out the least of any team in the AL, with only 6.0 per game. As for the pitchers, the Royals are the top team in the AL at limiting hits during home games, allowing only 7.2 hits per contest to their opponents this season.
In games where it is the underdog, Texas has a 24-23 record and an overall money line of +969. Offensively, the Rangers have really picked up the pace in the last 10 games. They have exceeded their season average of 4.7 runs per game by averaging 5.9 during that stretch.
The Royals have a 20-14 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Chi Gonzalez takes the mound. Volquez (RHP) will be on the hill against the Rangers, who have a 19-15 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – KC, O/U – Over
Notes
For the 11th time this season, the Rangers registered at least two errors in a game.
The Royals are 3-1 in games that go into extra innings. Meanwhile, the Rangers are 3-2 in such matchups.
The Rangers are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Royals have a 19-16 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
When they outhit their opponents, the Royals are 26-4. The Rangers have a 21-3 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 13th, Kansas City is in the top half of the league in runs, scoring 231 this season. Texas ranks in the top five at second with 252.
Ranking 30th, Kansas City is at the bottom of the league in walks, notching 109 this season. Texas ranks in the top half at 12th with 171.
The Royals are 19-9 when they hit at least one home run. The Rangers perform similarly when they hit one or more homers with a 21-12 record.
