The Boston Red Sox (+100), one of the most productive lineups in the American League, are set to host the Kansas City Royals (-120) at Fenway Park on Friday to open a three-game series. Don’t be surprised to see plenty of runs with the early total at 9.5 with the under a -120 favorite. The Royals (57-87) are in the midst of a six-game road trip. They were just swept in three games against the Twins, dropping the finale 3-2 on Thursday at Target Field. Salvador Perez was 2 for 4 with a solo home run. The Red Sox (69-74) are coming off a two-game sweep at the hands of the Yankees, dropping the finale 5-3 on Wednesday at Fenway Park. Abraham Almonte went 1 for 2 with a double and one run. Connor Wong added a double and one RBI.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The Royals have won three of four in the season series between the teams, including a 13-5 victory in their most recent meeting on August 7 at Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium. Brad Keller went six innings, allowing one run on four hits, to get the win.
ON THE MOUND
Jonathan Heasley (3-8, 4.98 ERA) is set to get the start for Kansas City. The righty allowed seven runs over four innings in his last start, an 8-4 road defeat against the Tigers on Saturday. He took the loss, scattering seven hits and walking two. For Boston, right-hander Michael Wacha (11-1, 2.58 ERA) will take the mound. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Royals. Wacha made two appearances against the Royals in 2021, including one start, striking out three and walking one over 8.2 innings (0-0, 5.19).In his last start on Saturday, Wacha got the win on the road against the Orioles. He threw six innings and gave up three runs on six hits, striking out five, in the 17-4 victory.
AT THE PLATE
The Kansas City offense is averaging 3.9 runs per game for the season, with a slash line of .241/.305/.375. Bobby Witt Jr. leads the team in OPS at .728. The shortstop is slashing .247/.290/.438 with 20 home runs, 72 RBIs, and 72 runs over 133 games. Over the last five games, however, Kansas City has averaged only 2.6 runs a game while slashing worse across the board (.166/.219/.248). Against righties like Wacha this season, the Royals have a .665 OPS, fourth lowest in the league. Witt Jr. also is the team’s most productive hitter against right-handers with a .718 OPS in 392 at-bats. Boston is slashing .259/.320/.410 for the season and averaging 4.6 runs per game, third best in the American League. Rafael Devers leads the team with a .873 OPS. The third baseman has 26 home runs, 79 RBIs, and 76 runs scored with a slash line of .287/.347/.526. Boston is averaging 5.8 runs per game in the last five with an improved slash line (.266/.333/.412). The Sox have a .721 OPS against right-handers in 2022. With a .921 OPS over 357 at-bats, Devers also 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 23-46 in 2022. The Royals have scored 3.8 runs per game away from home, while allowing 5.1 runs. Boston has gone 35-36 in front of their home fans this season, averaging 4.7 runs per game while surrendering 5.1. Boston is 8-2 in the last 10 games between the teams at Fenway Park with an average scoreline of 6.9-4.6.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Royals are fourth in the AL Central, 20 games behind the division-leading Guardians. The Red Sox are fifth in the AL East, 18 games behind the Yankees.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Boston Red Sox (-200)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
