Erasmo Ramirez (10-4, 3.66 ERA) and Edinson Volquez (11-7, 3.40 ERA) start in the first of a three-game series between the Tampa Bay Rays (63-64) and the Kansas City Royals (78-49) at Tropicana Field. Action begins at 7:10 p.m. ET on Friday, Aug. 28 and can be seen on SUN and FSKC.
Ramirez pitched 7.0 innings in his last outing, surrendering four runs, striking out four and walking two in a 5-4 defeat to the Athletics. Logan Forsythe (.278, 55 Rs, 15 HRs, 53 RBIs, 9 SBs) continued his strong play yesterday, going 2 for 4 with two runs, one home run, and one RBI. Volquez went 6.2 innings, surrendering six runs and striking out five in an 8-6 defeat to the Red Sox in his most recent start. Lorenzo Cain (.311, 78 Rs, 12 HRs, 56 RBIs, 24 SBs) has been successful at the plate for the Royals, going 2 for 4 yesterday.
The odds for Tampa Bay and Kansas City are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is sitting at seven runs.
The Royals are an excellent base stealing team with 83 stolen bases, ranking fifth in the MLB. Kansas City’s pitching staff is one of the top in the AL, with a 3.58 ERA. When it comes to preventing batters from getting hits, the Royals are fifth in the AL with an average of 8.3 hits allowed per game.
The Royals have the edge in the season series, 4-0. The Rays have a 41-50 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Volquez takes the mound. Ramirez (RHP) will be on the hill against the Royals, who have a very good 53-28 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – TB, O/U – Under
Notes
The Rays are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Royals have a 47-34 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
When they are outhit, the Royals are 12-40. The Rays have a 13-40 record when opponents outhit them.
Kansas City ranks near the bottom of the league at 27th when it comes to home runs, hitting 101 this season. Tampa Bay ranks in the bottom half at 17th with 119.
Ranking 13th, Tampa Bay is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.30 per game. Kansas City ranks in the top five at third with 9.20.
Ranking 21st, Tampa Bay is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.707). Kansas City ranks in the top 10 at ninth with an OPS of .735.
The Royals are 36-34 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Rays are 30-48 when they allow at least one homer.
