Yordano Ventura (13-9, 4.23 ERA) and the Kansas City Royals meet David Price (19-6, 2.66 ERA) and the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 2 of the League Championship Series at Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium. The Royals won the last game 5-0, and Kansas City leads the series 1-0. The game starts at 4:07 p.m. ET on Saturday, Oct. 17 and will air on FS1.
In Game 4 of the Divisional Playoffs, Ventura pitched 5.0 innings, allowing three runs, striking out eight and walking three in a 9-6 victory over the Astros. Kendrys Morales (.289, 84 Rs, 25 HRs, 113 RBIs) went 1 for 3 yesterday with one RBI. The Blue Jays were victorious over the Rangers 8-4 the last time Price pitched. He went 3.0 innings, giving up three runs and striking out two. Josh Donaldson (.295, 127 Rs, 43 HRs, 127 RBIs, 6 SBs) went 1 for 3 yesterday.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is set at eight runs. The Royals are a dangerous hitting team with 502 extra base hits, one of the highest totals in the MLB. They have been a terror on the base paths, ranking fifth in all of baseball with 109 steals.
The Blue Jays are known for their power, smashing 240 home runs. Toronto has an eye for the strike zone, averaging an AL-best 3.5 walks per game. Toronto’s pitching staff has allowed an average of 5.4 runs per game during the last 10 games, higher than their season average of 4.1. They also allow just 2.5 walks per game, the best in the AL.
This game will feature Price (LHP) on the mound against the Royals, who have a 31-26 record when they take on a left-handed starter. Taking the hill against the Blue Jays will be the right-hander Ventura. They sport a 73-54 record against righties.
Predictions: SU Winner – TOR, O/U – Over
Notes
Toronto has won 60% (45-30) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Kansas City has won 64% (42-24) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Blue Jays didn’t score any runs in their last game. The Royals have a 9-0 record when they don’t allow any runs.
When they outhit their opponents, the Blue Jays are 78-10. The Royals have a 78-8 record when outhitting opponents.
Toronto tops the league in runs with 917 this season. Kansas City ranks in the top five at fourth with 754.
Toronto tops the league in walks with 590 this season. Kansas City ranks near the bottom at 27th with 398.
The Royals are 68-33 when they hit at least one home run. The Blue Jays perform similarly when they hit one or more homers with an 86-40 record.
