MLB Predictions: Can the Indians sweep the Royals in KC? 8/20/17
Can the Cleveland Indians tack on another win over the Kansas City Royals when the two finish up their weekend series today at 2:15PM ET? Here’s our MLB Predictions for this game.
THE ODDS
According to the latest oddsmakers, Cleveland is favored on the road, as the Indians are getting odds of -150 to win. The Royals are listed with a money line of +135. The over/under total for the game has been set at 9 runs.
PITCHING MATCHUP
Today’s matchup on the mound has Danny Salazar (5-5, 3.92 ERA) pitching for Cleveland to face Jason Hammel (5-9, 4.74) of the Royals. Salazar has been on a nice run for Cleveland, allowing just one run in each of his last three starts. He has 123 strikeouts on the season with 37 walks and a 1.31 WHIP. Hammel has given up multiple runs in each of his last five starts, including three or more in four of those starts. Hammel has 109 strikeouts with 39 walks this season and a 1.36 WHIP.
RECORDS
Cleveland has been rolling on Kansas City this weekend. The Indians had a 10-1 win on Friday and a 5-0 win on Saturday. Cleveland has won its last three meetings with KC by a combined score of 23-1. The Tribe is now 68-53 overall and 37-26 on the road. Kansas City has fallen to 61-61 overall and 32-29 at home.
SATURDAY’S RECAP
Trevor Bauer had a rare shutout appearance on Saturday to lead Cleveland. He pitched 6.1 innings and gave up seven hits without a run. Jason Vargas continued to struggle for KC, allowing four runs in 4.2 innings to fall to 14-7 on the season. Jay Bruce continue to play well for his new team, picking up a double and a RBI. Roberto Perez drove in a pair of runs for Cleveland as well. Lorenzo Cain and Drew Butera were the lone Royals to get multiple hits.
MLB PREDICTIONS
Given how dominant Cleveland has been against Kansas City as of late, it’s hard to see this all turning around today. Salazar is a hot arm for the Tribe while Hammel has not been a shutdown pitcher all season. Kansas City is also struggling at the plate again, especially against the Indians. Cleveland won’t need much run production to win this one.
MLB Predictions – Cleveland Indians -150
