Edinson Volquez (11-6, 3.11 ERA) and Daniel Norris (2-2, 4.24 ERA) are on the hill in the last of a three-game series between the Kansas City Royals (68-44) and the Detroit Tigers (54-59) at Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium. The Royals won the last game 6-1, continuing a five-game winning streak. Action begins at 8:10 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Aug. 12 and can be seen on FSKC and FSDT.
Volquez pitched 7.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering one run, striking out three and walking two in a 3-2 win over the White Sox. Lorenzo Cain (.316, 73 Rs, 12 HRs, 51 RBIs, 20 SBs) continued his strong play yesterday, going 4 for 4 with two runs, one home run, and one RBI. Norris went 3.1 innings, surrendering five runs and striking out three in a 7-2 defeat to the Red Sox in his last outing. Miguel Cabrera (.350, 43 Rs, 15 HRs, 54 RBIs, 1 SB) has been successful at the plate for the Tigers, going 2 for 2 yesterday with one RBI.
Kansas City is a -179 favorite against Detroit and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is sitting at eight runs. The Royals have recorded an overall money line of +2,109 and have shown high-level performance as a favorite this season with a record of 37-21. Kansas City is an impressive 5-1 as the favorite over its last 10 games. The Royals are one of the best in the AL in terms of hits with an impressive 9.2 per game. Kansas City strikes out the least of any team in the AL, with only 5.8 per game.
In games where it is the underdog, Detroit has a 22-32 record and an overall money line of -611. Despite an underwhelming record as the underdog against AL Central rivals (9-12), they pulled off an impressive 29-19 SU record. Offensively, the Tigers have really picked up the pace in division games. They have exceeded their season average of 4.4 runs per game by averaging 4.8 in those contests. The Tigers average 4.8 runs allowed per game, but does better whenever another team from the AL Central is on the schedule. They bring that runs allowed average down to 4.2 against division foes. When it comes to issuing walks on the road, the Tigers have the fifth-fewest in the AL with an average of just 2.6 walks allowed per game.
The Royals lead the season series, 7-5. The Royals have a 22-17 record against left-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Norris takes the mound. Volquez (RHP) will be on the hill against the Tigers, who have a 39-46 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – KC, O/U – Over
Notes
Detroit has won 49% (25-26) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, Kansas City has won 66% (29-15) of its games when taking a late lead.
Having scored one run in their last game, the Tigers are going to have to up their game if they want to win this matchup. The Royals have a 25-0 record in games where opponents scored that many runs or fewer.
When they are outhit, the Tigers are 7-43. The Royals have a 9-36 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 26th in home runs, Kansas City has hit 89 this season. Detroit ranks 11th with 113 home runs.
Detroit tops the league in hits with 9.47 per game this season. Kansas City ranks in the top five at second with 9.17.
Ranking 10th, Kansas City is in the top 10 of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.730). Detroit ranks in the top five at fifth with an OPS of .758.
When the Tigers allow at least one home run, they are 26-47. When the Royals allow one or more homers, they have a 29-32 record.
