Kris Medlen (1-2, 4.87 ERA) and the Kansas City Royals (14-12) go up against Stephen Strasburg (4-0, 2.25 ERA) and the Washington Nationals (18-8) in the last of a three-game interleague series at Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium. The Royals won the last game 7-6, and the series is currently tied 1-1. The game gets underway at 2:15 p.m. ET on Wednesday, May. 4 and will air on MASN and FSKC.
In his last start, Medlen pitched 5.1 innings, giving up one run, striking out three and walking five in a 1-0 loss to the Mariners. Mike Moustakas (.266, 12 Rs, 7 HRs, 13 RBIs) went 1 for 1 yesterday with one run and two RBIs. The Nationals were victorious over the Cardinals 5-4 the last time Strasburg pitched. He went 7.0 innings, allowing two runs, striking out nine and walking one. Daniel Murphy (.376, 13 Rs, 3 HRs, 14 RBIs, 1 SB) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and one RBI.
The odds are even for this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable at the moment. The Royals have a SU record of 14-7 against the National League. Over their past 10 games, Kansas City’s offense has been playing lights out, averaging 0.0 runs per game, well over their season average of 0.0. The Royals are a nightmare on the bases for opponents with an MLB-high 22 steals. Turning to the pitching and defensive side, the Kansas City pitching staff and defense is very good at home, only giving up 3.0 runs per game.
When playing Interleague opponents, the Nationals have a 12-10 record SU. During the last 10 games, they averaged 0.0 runs per game, above their 0.0 season average. The Nationals are one of the top pitching staffs in the NL, essentially shutting down opponents to the tune of 0.0 runs allowed per game. They have a WHIP of 1.069 on the year, good for second in the league.
Predictions: SU Winner – WAS
Notes
When leading after seven innings, Washington is 6-3, while Kansas City is 5-5.
The Nationals are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Royals have a 9-7 record when opponents give up two walks or less.
When they outhit their opponents, the Royals are 10-4. The Nationals have a 14-2 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 26th in runs, Kansas City has earned 88 this season. Washington ranks 16th with 107 runs.
Ranking 30th, Kansas City is at the bottom of the league in walks, notching 64 this season. Washington ranks in the top half at 14th with 84.
The Royals are 11-6 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The Nationals are 13-4 when they hit at least one homer.
