Indians vs. Royals Pick
Can the Cleveland Indians ace pitch them to another win over the Kansas City Royals when the two meet up tonight at 8:15PM ET?
According to oddsmakers at BetDSI, Cleveland is favored on the road, as the Indians are getting odds of -200 to win. Kansas City is listed with a money line of +180 to win, while the over/under total has been set at 8.5 runs. Kansas City has won five of the nine meetings with Cleveland this season.
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The pitching matchup has Corey Kluber (11-3, 2.71 ERA) on the mound for the Indians to face Ian Kennedy (4-8, 4.80) of the Royals. Kluber has been pretty strong all season, but is coming off a 3-run, 7-inning showing against the Rays. On the year, Kluber has 192 strikeouts with 30 walks and a 0.91 WHIP. Kennedy has struggled as of late, allowing at least three runs in his last three starts. He has 104 strikeouts this season with 47 walks and a 1.23 ERA.
Cleveland had a six-game win streak snapped on Thursday in a 4-2 loss to the Twins in the nightcap of a doubleheader. The Indians are 66-53 overall and 35-26 on the road. Cleveland is scoring 4.83 runs per contest while allowing 3.83 per game. The Indians are being led by Jose Ramirez, who has 38 doubles with 18 home runs and 58 RBI. Edwin Encarnacion is adding 27 home runs and 71 RBI.
Kansas City has won four of its last five games, including a series win at Oakland. The Royals are now 61-59 overall and 32-27 at home. KC is putting up 4.51 runs per game this season while allowing 4.65 per contest. The Royals are being led by Eric Hosmer, who has 23 doubles, 20 home runs and 68 RBI while hitting .315. Mike Moustakas is adding 35 home runs and 77 RBI.
Kluber didn’t have his best stuff in his last start, but he hasn’t had back-to-back shaky outings in some time. Cleveland has also been strong when he has pitched, winning his last five starts. Kennedy isn’t a shutdown pitcher and he is certain to give up a handful of runs against Cleveland today. Go with the Indians on the road.
MLB DAILY PREDICTION: CLEVELAND INDIANS -200