In the first of a three-game series between the Kansas City Royals (27-22) and the Tampa Bay Rays (22-26) at Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium, Ian Kennedy (4-3, 3.38 ERA) and Matt Andriese (3-0, 2.63 ERA) get the start. The game starts at 8:15 p.m. ET on Monday, May. 30 and will air on FSKC and SUN.
In his most recent outing, Kennedy pitched 3.1 innings, giving up two runs, striking out three and walking one in a 10-4 victory over the Twins. Eric Hosmer (.319, 27 Rs, 9 HRs, 30 RBIs, 4 SBs) played well again yesterday, going 3 for 4 with one run and one RBI. The Rays were unsuccessful against the Marlins 4-3 the last time Andriese pitched. He went 6.0 innings, allowing three runs, striking out six and walking one. Brandon Guyer (.311, 22 Rs, 6 HRs, 14 RBIs, 1 SB) has been doing well, going 2 for 4 yesterday with one run.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is presently unavailable. Kansas City has averaged 0.0 runs per game over the last 10 games, higher than its season average of 0.0. They have been a terror on the base paths, ranking fifth in all of baseball with 36 steals. The most recent 10 game stretch for Kansas City’s pitching staff has gone great. Over that span, Kansas City’s opponents are averaging 0.0 runs per game, below their season average of 0.0.
During the last 10 games, they averaged 0.0 runs per game, above their 0.0 season average. Tampa Bay is one of the top home-run-hitting teams in the league with 70 home runs. The Rays average just 9.4 strikeouts per game, one of the lowest marks in the AL. Tampa Bay’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. They have a WHIP of 1.215 on the year, good for fifth in the league.
Predictions: SU Winner – TB
Notes
When leading after seven innings, Kansas City is 11-10, while Tampa Bay is 10-10.
Having scored one run in their last game, the Rays are going to have to step it up if they want to win this matchup. The Royals have an 8-1 record in games where opponents scored one run or less.
When they outhit their opponents, the Royals are 21-8. The Rays have a 16-5 record when outhitting opponents.
Both falling near the bottom of the league based on total runs this season, Kansas City ranks 24th with 194 runs and Tampa Bay is 22nd with 199.
Kansas City and Tampa Bay both rank near the bottom of the league in walks. Kansas City sits at 29th with 113 this season and Tampa Bay ranks 22nd with 142.
The Royals are 20-11 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The Rays are 19-19 when they hit at least one homer.
