Hot-hitting Bobby Witt Jr. will be looking to extend his 10-game hitting streak as the Kansas City Royals (-190) face off against the Detroit Tigers (+160) at Comerica Park on Thursday with the home team eyeing a sweep of the three-game series. The early total was set at 7.5 runs (O: -110 | U: -110). The Tigers (62-92) lead the series 2-0 after winning 2-1 on Wednesday, their fifth straight victory overall and ninth in 18 games against the Royals this season. Daniel Norris got the win with two scoreless innings out of the bullpen, and Gregory Soto earned his 29th save with a scoreless ninth. Miguel Cabrera went 2 for 4 with a home run and two RBIs in the win. MJ Melendez was 1 for 3 with a solo home run for the Royals (63-92).
ON THE MOUND
Jonathan Heasley (4-8, 4.87 ERA) is set for the start for Kansas City. The right-hander allowed one run over six innings in his last start, a 4-1 road win over the Twins on September 22. He was credited with the win, scattering two hits while striking out three and walking two. Over two previous starts against the Tigers this season, Heasley has allowed nine earned runs over 11 innings (1-1, 7.36). He has struck out two and walked four. Lefty Eduardo Rodriguez (4-5, 4.37 ERA) will take the mound for Detroit. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Royals. In his last start on Friday, Rodriguez got the win on the road against the White Sox. He threw six innings and gave up three runs on eight hits, striking out three and walking one in the 5-3 victory.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Kansas City has averaged 5.4 runs a game, up from their season average of 3.9, while slashing better across the board (.295/.365/.462). Against southpaws like Rodriguez this season, the Royals have a .721 OPS. Melendez is the team’s most productive hitter against left-handers with a .854 OPS in 107 at-bats. Detroit is averaging 4.4 runs per game in the last five, up from 3.4 for the season, with an improved slash line (.279/.330/.390). The Tigers have a .602 OPS against right-handers in 2022, lowest in MLB. With a .610 OPS over 400 at-bats, Javier Baez has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Kansas City is on a three-game losing streak away from Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium, bringing their record to 24-50 in 2022. The Royals have scored 3.7 runs per game away from home, while allowing 5.0 runs. Detroit has gone 32-45 at their home ballpark this season, averaging 3.4 runs per game while surrendering 4.5. The AL Central rivals have split their last 10 meetings head-to-head at Comerica Park, though Kansas City has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 3.9-3.0.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Royals are fourth in the AL Central, 24 games behind the division-leading Guardians. The Tigers are fifth in the AL Central, 24 games behind the Guardians.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Detroit Tigers (-135)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
