MLB Predictions: Will Royals beat Rays a second straight night? 8/30/17
Will the Royals beat the Rays for a second straight night when the two teams meet again at 8:15PM ET in Kansas City?
The Matchup: Rays vs. Royals, 8:15PM ET, Kauffman Stadium
According to oddsmakers, Kansas City is a -140 money line favorite to win tonight at home. That makes Tampa Bay a +125 money line underdog to pull off the upset. The total, meanwhile, sits at 9.5 runs.
Following its loss last night, Tampa Bay is now 66-68 on the season. The Rays have won six of their last 10 games, but are just 32-35 on the road. They’re currently 10 games back of the Red Sox in the American League East.
On the other side, the Royals improved to 65-66 on the year with their 6-2 win last night. They’re 36-31 at home, but are just 4-6 in their last 10 games. They finally broke a five-game losing skid with their win last night.
The Pitching Matchup: Jake Odorizzi (TB) vs. Jason Vargas (KC)
Odorizzi pitched just 3 2/3 innings for the second straight start last Friday. He lost against the Cardinals and there was talk that the Rays should pull him from the rotation. He has pitched a total of 17 1/3 innings in four starts since coming off the disabled list. He surrendered 13 earned runs and 14 walks during that time.
Vargas also struggled in his last start. He allowed four runs on six hits over his five innings of work last Friday versus the Indians. He struck out two and walked two on the night. The veteran owns a 3.72 ERA and 1.31 WHIP.
Our Prediction
Tampa Bay is just 1-4 in Odorizzi’s last five starts. They’re also winless at 0-4 in his last four outings coming off four days of rest. In their last five games against American League Central rivals, the Rays are just 1-4.
On the other side, the Royals are 6-1 in Vargas’ last seven starts coming off four days of rest. They’re also 8-1 in his last nine home starts versus a team with a losing record.
Wednesday MLB Prediction: Kansas City Royals -140
