With seven losses in their last 10 games, the Kansas City Royals are slumping, but at 83-56, they’re still the best team in the American League and with a $1,972 moneyline they’ve still been the third best bet on the year. On the other side, the Baltimore Orioles are 67-72 thanks to their recent slump and own a -$961 tally against the moneyline.
ODDS ANALYSIS
The Orioles are a disappointing 5-15 over their last 20 games, a streak that has effectively knocked them out of playoff contention and towards the cellar of the AL East.
The Birds did take two of three against the Yankees in their most recent series and may be bouncing back to form and while it’s too little, too late for a playoff push, it could make things difficult for their opponents.
Baltimore is also returning home for this series against the Royals and are 40-28 at home. While the Royals are solid on the road at 35-29, they’re much better at home.
PITCHING MATCHUP
Yordano Ventura will look to rebound against the O’s after a poor outing his last time out against the Twins.
In his last start, the 24-year old right-hander went just five and a third innings, allowing four runs and walking five.
Prior to that outing, Ventura had been pitching really well over his last five starts, allowing just four runs combined over 32 innings.
Those recent numbers are very good, though he’s still 10-8 with an inflated 4.34 ERA and 1.312 WHIP in 132 2/3 innings.
To counter Ventura, the Orioles have yet to announce their starter for Sunday’s showdown, but Wei-Yin Chen is a possible candidate.
The veteran southpaw is 8-7 with a 3.48 ERA and 1.249 WHIP in 165 2/3 innings of work. The 29-year old’s numbers are pretty good, but here in the second half he’s slumped to a 4.85 ERA and 1.563 WHIP.
QUOTE TO NOTE
The Royals are the type of offense that is not afraid to swing early and make contact. Less obsessed with walks and home runs than most, they focus on putting good wood on the ball and let good things happen. That’s what happened on Tuesday to open the game when they unleashed on Twins starter Kyle Gibson who said, after the game:
“They came out swinging and I was definitely surprised. I don’t think I’ve ever had a team do that to me that quickly. It was [nine] pitches and four runs, and that’s tough to do.
LIVE/SITUATIONAL BETTING
That offensive approach has worked for the Royals who are near the bottom of the league in home runs and mediocre in walks, but first in baseball with a .271 average.
The Royals constantly put the bat on the ball and quite often are able to find holes and gaps and tack on run after run.
The team now also has depth with either Omar Infante or Alex Rios on the bench—depending where Ben Zobrist plays—along with Jonny Gomes.
Of course, the team’s success is still a focus on their core with Lorenzo Cain and Eric Hosmer hitting over .300 with some pop. Kendrys Morales helps bring the lineup together in the middle with 101 RBIs and a .826 OPS.
For the O’s, their lineup isn’t nearly as cohesive. They’ve got a ton more power with Chris Davis hitting 41 bombs, Manny Machado slamming 27 and Adam Jones hitting 25.
Still, they’ve also got much more swing and miss. For the Birds, if it’s not a home run, they’ve got issues scoring. It’s a much more boom or bust offense.
PROP TALK
The Royals had their way with the O’s last October, sweeping the ALCS and historically, Eric Hosmer has given the Birds trouble, particularly Chen.
Kansas City’s first baseman is 7-for-20 in his career against Chen with two home runs and five RBIs. Of course, most Royals batters have solid numbers against Chen with Lorenzo Cain hitting .400 in 15 at bats and Be Zobrist going 14-for-37.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
The Orioles are a much different team at home than they are on the road and as such, should be able to hang with the Royals.
Still, Kansas City has a more reliable offense and a pitcher that—save for his last start—has been pitching better.
Turning to the bullpen, both teams have quality arms, but the Royals are first in baseball with a 2.48 bullpen ERA.
Kansas City 5, Baltimore 4
The MLB odds for this game will be available first at BookMaker Sportsbook. BookMaker is going to have multiple betting options available for this nationally-televised baseball matchup. Live wagering during commercials offers an adjusted moneyline, individual inning run totals and next hitter results. Log in and start gambling during the game now!
Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone with BookMaker’s new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting event. Click here and start wagering today! First pitch for the game between the Kansas City Royals and Baltimore Orioles is scheduled for Sunday, September 13, 2015, at 8:05 p.m. ET at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The matchup can be seen live on ESPN.
