PREMIUM
Rogers' Afternoon Annihilation - 9-1 Last 10 in MLB!
(MLB) Washington vs. Kansas City,
05/04/2016 10:15 AM, Score: 13 - 2
Point Spread: 1.50 | -125.00 Kansas City (Home)
Result: Loss
Point Spread: 1.50 | -125.00 Kansas City (Home)
Result: Loss
Analysis
The Kansas City Royals started the season strong but have won just two of their past eight games. They did however defeat the Washington Nationals 7-6 last night to even this series at 1-1, and I like the Royals chances of recording an upset in the rubber match Wednesday afternoon.
Here are my keys to the game:
1. Pitching - The Royals hand the ball to Kris Medlen (1-2, 4.87) who is coming off one of his his best starts of the season. Medlen held the Mariners to one run one one hit and five walks in 5 1/3 innings, and he is likely to build on that success today as he has posted a 2.45 ERA in 14 career appearances against Washington. The Nats counter with Stephen Strasburg (4-0, 2.25 ERA) who has had an extraordinary start to the year. His last two starts have been his worst though, allowing a total of six runs on 15 hits over 16 1/3 innings, and the Nats closer Jonathan Papelborn blew a ninth-inning two run lead yesterday.
2. Washington vs. Right-handers - The Nats .234 batting average against right-handers this season ranks in the bottom third of the major leagues. They're 18-37 in their last 55 interleague road games vs. a right-handed starters and the Royals are 5-1 in their last six interleague home games vs. a team with a winning record.
3. X-Factor - Washington's slugger Bryce Harper is ice cold going 2-for-26 over the past seven games. This could be another ugly showing as he is 2-for-13 in previous meetings with Medlen.
Selection: This is a play on the Kansas City Royals +1.5 (8*)
The Kansas City Royals started the season strong but have won just two of their past eight games. They did however defeat the Washington Nationals 7-6 last night to even this series at 1-1, and I like the Royals chances of recording an upset in the rubber match Wednesday afternoon.
Here are my keys to the game:
1. Pitching - The Royals hand the ball to Kris Medlen (1-2, 4.87) who is coming off one of his his best starts of the season. Medlen held the Mariners to one run one one hit and five walks in 5 1/3 innings, and he is likely to build on that success today as he has posted a 2.45 ERA in 14 career appearances against Washington. The Nats counter with Stephen Strasburg (4-0, 2.25 ERA) who has had an extraordinary start to the year. His last two starts have been his worst though, allowing a total of six runs on 15 hits over 16 1/3 innings, and the Nats closer Jonathan Papelborn blew a ninth-inning two run lead yesterday.
2. Washington vs. Right-handers - The Nats .234 batting average against right-handers this season ranks in the bottom third of the major leagues. They're 18-37 in their last 55 interleague road games vs. a right-handed starters and the Royals are 5-1 in their last six interleague home games vs. a team with a winning record.
3. X-Factor - Washington's slugger Bryce Harper is ice cold going 2-for-26 over the past seven games. This could be another ugly showing as he is 2-for-13 in previous meetings with Medlen.
Selection: This is a play on the Kansas City Royals +1.5 (8*)
