Baltimore Orioles vs
Kansas City RoyalsPredictions & Preview

Baltimore Orioles set to face Kansas City Royals in highly anticipated matchup with playoff implications

The Orioles and Royals, both 2024 playoff contenders, face off in a highly anticipated matchup. The Orioles, boasting a strong lineup, aim for their third consecutive playoff appearance, while the Royals look to build on their first playoff appearance in nearly a decade. The pitching matchup features Tomoyuki Sugano for the Orioles and Michael Wacha for the Royals. The game is set for Saturday at 4:10 PM EST. Kansas City is favored to win, with the current line at -116. Read on for more insights and betting tips to maximize your earnings.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Orioles +102 | Royals -116
• Spread: Orioles +1.5 (-205) | Royals -1.5 (+175)
• Total: Over/Under 8 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Kansas City will win straight-up is 54%.

Baltimore vs Kansas City Stats

Baltimore Orioles

The Baltimore Orioles are looking to continue their success in the playoffs after winning the AL East Division crown in 2023 and earning a Wildcard spot in 2024. However, they have been knocked out in the first series in both seasons. The Orioles are currently struggling with losses in three of their last four games, including the final two against Boston where they allowed three home runs in their last game. Starter Charlie Morton had a tough outing, allowing six hits and five runs in five innings. The Orioles will be starting Tomoyoki Sugano, who lost his first MLB start, on Saturday. Despite some key injuries, the Orioles have a solid offense, scoring an average of 5.33 runs per game. They will need to improve their defense, as they are allowing an average of 4.33 runs against them per game. They currently have a record of 3-5 this season.

Kansas City Royals Analysis

The Kansas City Royals secured a playoff spot for the first time in nearly a decade in 2024 and are looking to build on that success this season. Despite a slow start with a record of 2-4, the Royals are hopeful for a turnaround. The team suffered a 3-2 loss against the Brewers in their last game, despite a strong performance from pitcher Cole Ragans. Veteran Michael Wacha will take the mound in the next game, aiming to improve upon his first start of the season. Several key players are currently injured. The Royals have a power ranking of 20 and are ranked 17th in offense, scoring an average of 3.83 runs per game, and 13th in defense, giving up an average of 4.17 runs per game. The team is currently 3-4 overall and faces a challenge against the Orioles, who have won their last three matchups against Kansas City.

Sugano Set to Make Second MLB Start Against Struggling Wacha as Orioles Eye Victory

Sugano will be making his second MLB start on Saturday, providing him with the advantage of being relatively unknown to his opponents. To be successful, he will need to focus on pitching low to induce ground balls and minimize potential runs, as opposed to relying on high strikeout numbers. In contrast, Wacha struggled with control in his first start, only pitching four innings and walking four batters. If the game transitions into a bullpen matchup, the Orioles possess an advantage due to their depth and variety in pitching options. Additionally, the Orioles' lineup boasts more power compared to the Royals' bullpen, giving them a potential upper hand in this game.

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