Kansas City Royals vs
Los Angeles AngelsPredictions & Preview

Royals vs Angels: American League Showdown Set for First Meeting of Season

On Thursday, May 9, MLB betting action includes a seven-game slate, with a notable American League showdown between the Kansas City Royals and the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. This will be the first meeting between the two teams this season, opening a four-game series in Anaheim. The Royals are currently slight -112 moneyline favorites with a total of 8.5 runs. Michael Wacha will start for the Royals with an ERA of 5.5, while Reid Detmers will start for the Angels with an ERA of 4.24. Kansas City is the betting favorite at -110, with the line remaining unchanged.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Royals -110 | Angels -104
• Spread: Royals -1 (+116) | Angels +1 (-143)
• Total: Over/Under 8.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Kansas City will win straight-up is 52%.

Kansas City vs Los Angeles Stats

Kansas City Royals

The Kansas City Royals faced Milwaukee on Wednesday, but that game was not included in the analysis. The Royals, with a record of 21-16, were aiming to win a three-game home series after a tough 6-5 loss in the previous game. Despite scoring 42 runs in their last ten games, they have surrendered 45 runs. They have a .254/.317/.388 triple-slash and 4.25 ERA over the last seven days. Michael Wacha will pitch on Thursday with a 1-4 record and 5.50 ERA this season. Kansas City is ranked 15th in power rankings, 14th in offense, second in defense, and has a 21-16 record. Check out the best betting offers from top sportsbooks.

Los Angeles Angels Analysis

The Los Angeles Angels secured a victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates in a three-game road series, bouncing back from an initial loss with two consecutive wins. Despite a recent string of uneven performances, the Angels have shown improvement in their offensive and pitching stats. Reid Detmers will be starting the next game after a challenging outing in his last appearance. The Angels currently have a power ranking of 27 and are ranked #20 for offense and #27 for defense, with a record of 14-23. In their last three matchups, Kansas City came out on top with a 2-1 record against the Angels.

Angels favored in matchup despite concerns over starting duo's recent performances

The starting duo for this game presents some concerns regarding their recent performances. Reid Detmers has struggled recently, allowing 16 earned runs on 20 hits and seven walks in his last three starts, totaling 17.2 innings pitched. Similarly, Michael Wacha has faced challenges, surrendering 13 earned runs on 26 hits and four walks over his previous three starts, covering 13.2 innings. The Kansas City Royals have exhibited difficulties against left-handed pitchers in the past ten days, with a .200/.254/.291 slash line and a 52 wRC+ in 60 plate appearances. While the Los Angeles Angels have a 103 wRC+ against right-handed pitchers within the same time frame (261 PA), they have struggled against Michael Wacha. Both bullpens have shown inconsistencies in the last ten days, with the Kansas City bullpen recording a 4.11 ERA and 3.57 FIP, and the Los Angeles bullpen posting a 3.81 ERA and 3.87 FIP. The Angels are favored in this matchup due to the Royals' recent struggles against left-handed pitchers, although Detmers has the potential for a rebound performance.

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