Cleveland Guardians vs
Kansas City RoyalsPredictions & Preview

Cleveland Guardians and Kansas City Royals Set to Clash in Crucial Series Game, McKenzie vs. Marsh on the Mound

The Cleveland Guardians and Kansas City Royals are set to face off in the second game of their four-game series, with Cleveland currently leading the American League Central. Triston McKenzie will be starting for the Guardians, while Alec Marsh will take the mound for the Royals. The game is scheduled to begin at 8:10 EST at Kauffman Stadium. Cleveland is the favorite in this matchup, with the current line set at -115.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Guardians -115 | Royals +104
• Spread: Guardians -1.5 (+135) | Royals +1.5 (-155)
• Total: Over/Under 9.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Cleveland will win straight-up is 53%.

Cleveland vs Kansas City Stats

Cleveland Guardians

The Guardians fell in their series finale against Baltimore, ending a seven-game winning streak. The team sits third in the American League with 394 runs scored over 78 games, averaging 5.05 runs per game. Offensively, they have a slash line of .245/.319/.411 with 235 extra-base hits and 71 stolen bases. Jose Ramirez leads the team with a .275 batting average, 21 home runs, and 72 RBI. In the pitching department, Cleveland's staff has a 3.51 team ERA, with their starters boasting a 4.35 ERA and their relievers holding a league-best 2.37 ERA. Tristan McKenzie is coming off of two tough starts, but holds a 4-2 record with a 3.19 ERA in 12 career appearances against Kansas City. With a power ranking of 6, Cleveland is ranked 3rd in offense, 3rd in defense, and holds a record of 51-28 this season.

Kansas City Royals Analysis

The Kansas City Royals are looking to finish June on a positive note after a tough start to the month. Their offense has been performing well, scoring an average of 4.54 runs per game and tallying 372 runs in 82 games. The pitching staff has also been solid, with a team ERA of 3.80 and ranking sixth in the American League. Freddy Fermin has been a standout player, hitting .294 with 12 extra-base hits and 18 RBI in 43 games. However, pitcher Marsh has struggled in June, going 1-3 with a 6.66 ERA in five starts. Overall, the Royals have a power ranking of 25 and are ranked #13 for offense and #8 for defense. In their last three matchups, Cleveland has won two out of three games against Kansas City.

Royals Favored as McKenzie Struggles Against Marsh in Series Against Cleveland

In early June, McKenzie and Marsh faced off in two games, with rain causing one of the series to be cut short. McKenzie struggled during the first game against the Royals, giving up three home runs, five runs, nine hits, and two walks. Marsh, on the other hand, boasts a 3-1 record at home this season and has limited opponents to a .236 batting average in seven starts at Kauffman Stadium. Having not faced the Guardians in their previous encounter, Marsh may have the element of surprise against Cleveland's batters. The Kansas City Royals have been dominant at home this season with a record of 27-15, tied for the most wins at home in the American League. Additionally, the Royals have won four out of their last five games against Cleveland. Therefore, the Royals are the favored team in this series.

Sources: [ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ] [ 4 ]