Tanner Roark (2-2, 2.03 ERA) takes the hill for the Washington Nationals (18-7) as they square off against Chris Young (1-4, 6.12 ERA) and the Kansas City Royals (13-12) in the second of a three-game series at Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium. The Nationals won the last game 2-0, and Washington leads the series 1-0. Action begins at 8:15 p.m. ET on Tuesday, May. 3 and can be seen on MAS2 and FSKC.
Young pitched 5.1 innings in his last outing, surrendering three runs, striking out six and walking two in a 4-2 defeat to the Angels. Eric Hosmer (.337, 11 Rs, 4 HRs, 9 RBIs, 3 SBs) went 1 for 2 yesterday. Roark went 7.0 innings, surrendering zero runs, striking out six and walking two in a 3-0 defeat to the Phillies in his most recent start. Daniel Murphy (.382, 12 Rs, 2 HRs, 13 RBIs, 1 SB) has been successful at the plate, going 3 for 4 yesterday with one RBI.
The odds for Kansas City and Washington are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable as of now. In interleague play, the Royals have a 14-7 record SU. The Royals have seen an uptick in scoring as of late, averaging 0.0 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 0.0 runs per game. Kansas City is one of the best in the MLB in terms of steals, swiping 20 bases. Opposing batters know they’re in for a battle when they play Kansas City. The Royals are one of the top teams when it comes to pitching, allowing just 2.8 runs per home game.
Washington is 12-10 SU against American League opponents. Offensively, the Nationals have really picked up the pace in the last 10 games. They have exceeded their season average of 0.0 runs per game by averaging 0.0 during that stretch. Shifting to the pitching staff and defense, the Nationals allow just 0.0 runs per game, ranking them first in the NL. When it comes to preventing batters from getting on base, the Nationals are one of the best in the league with a WHIP of 1.053 for the season.
The Nationals have the edge in the season series, 1-0.
Predictions: SU Winner – WAS
Notes
Kansas City has won 50% (5-5) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Washington has won 67% (6-3) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Nationals are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Royals have an 8-7 record when opponents give up two walks or less.
When they outhit their opponents, the Royals are 10-4. The Nationals have a 14-1 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 27th, Kansas City is near the bottom of the league in runs, scoring 81 this season. Washington ranks in the bottom half at 17th with 101.
Ranking 29th, Kansas City is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 62 this season. Washington ranks in the top half at 13th with 83.
The Royals are 11-6 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The Nationals are 13-3 when they hit at least one homer.
