The Kansas City Royals (-150) host the Cleveland Guardians (+130) at Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium on Wednesday with the visitors in position for a sweep of the three-game series. The early total was set at 8 runs with the under a -115 favorite. The Guardians (70-64) lead the series 2-0 after winning 4-1 on Tuesday, their eighth head-to-head victory in 12 games this season. Starter Shane Bieber got the win, allowing one run on four hits over eight innings, and James Karinchak picked up his first save of the season with a scoreless ninth. Myles Straw was 2 for 4 with one run and one RBI in the win. Salvador Perez went 1 for 4 with a solo home run for the Royals (55-82).
ON THE MOUND
Cody Morris (0-1, 9.00 ERA) is set to get the start for Cleveland. The right-hander allowed three runs (two earned) over two innings in his last start, a 6-1 road defeat against the Mariners on Friday. He took the loss, giving up four hits while striking out three and walking two. For Kansas City, RHP Zack Greinke (4-8, 4.14 ERA) gets the start. He has made two appearances against the Guardians this season, both starts, giving up one run over 10.2 innings (1-0, 0.84) with six strikeouts and two walks. In his last start on August 21, Greinke took a no-decision on the road against the Rays. He threw four innings and gave up two runs on five hits, striking out two and walking one in the 3-2 defeat.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Cleveland has averaged only 2.8 runs a game, down from their season average of 4.2, partially thanks to weaker slugging (.317 vs .377). Against right-handed pitchers like Greinke this season, the Guardians have a .709 OPS. Jose Ramirez is the team’s best performer against right-handers with a .922 OPS in 371 at-bats. Kansas City is averaging 5.0 runs per game in the last five, up from 3.9 for the season, with a higher slugging percentage (.434 vs .381). The Royals have a .675 OPS against right-handers in 2022, fifth lowest in MLB. With a .726 OPS over 375 at-bats, Bobby Witt Jr. has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Cleveland is 37-34 on the road in 2022, scoring 4.4 runs per game while allowing 3.9 runs. Kansas City has gone 32-39 at home this season, averaging 4.0 runs per game while surrendering 5.0. In the last 10 meetings at Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium, Cleveland is 6-4 with an average scoreline of 6.1-3.1.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Guardians lead the AL Central by one games over the Twins. The Royals are fourth in the AL Central, 16 games behind the Guardians.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Cleveland Guardians (-145)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
