Boston Red Sox vs
Kansas City RoyalsPredictions & Preview

Boston Red Sox Look to Extend Dominance Over Kansas City Royals in Crucial Wild Card Matchup

The Boston Red Sox have exceeded expectations in the 2024 season and are currently in contention for a Wild Card spot or even the top of the AL East. In their upcoming series finale against the Kansas City Royals, both teams are vying for a crucial win in the Wild Card race. The expected pitching matchup features RHP Kutter Crawford for the Red Sox and LHP Cole Ragans for the Royals. Despite the Royals being the betting favorite, this game is expected to be a close and competitive matchup.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Red Sox +123 | Royals -135
• Spread: Red Sox +1.5 (-168) | Royals -1.5 (+148)
• Total: Over/Under 8.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Kansas City will win straight-up is 57%.

Boston vs Kansas City Stats

Boston Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox have been proving skeptics wrong this season as they fight for a Wild Card spot in the AL East. Despite trailing behind Baltimore and New York, their impressive road record of 34-23 has helped keep them in contention. The team's offense has been a standout, ranking fourth in runs scored, while their rotation has held the 13th best team ERA. Kutter Crawford will take the mound for Boston in their upcoming game, looking to bounce back from a recent rough patch. In their last outing, the Red Sox secured a crucial win over the Royals thanks to a strong performance from Masataka Yoshida. Boston currently holds a power ranking of 15, excelling in offense but struggling defensively, with a season record of 61-51.

Kansas City Royals Analysis

The Kansas City Royals have been undergoing a rebuild for several years, but with Bobby Witt Jr. emerging as an MVP candidate, they are now in contention for the post-season, trailing only by 1.5 games in the AL Wild Card race. The team ranks ninth in runs scored and ninth in ERA in the league, making them a dark horse for the playoffs if they maintain their consistent play. Lefty Cole Ragans has been a reliable starter with an ERA of 3.35, providing depth to the pitching rotation. Despite a recent disappointing loss to the Red Sox, the Royals have a strong power ranking of 6 and rank 9th in offense and 4th in defense. In their last three matchups against Boston, Kansas City has come out on top each time.

Red Sox Dominance over Royals Threatens Kansas City's Wild Card Hopes

The Kansas City Royals are currently leading the Red Sox by a small margin in the Wild Card race. However, it is notable that the Royals have consistently struggled in head-to-head matchups with Boston, with the Red Sox holding an impressive 8-2 record in their last 10 encounters. This season alone, Boston has won 4 out of the 5 games played against Kansas City, out-scoring them 26-20. With the Red Sox securing two close victories in the ongoing series, it is likely that they will complete the sweep and gain the lead in the Wild Card race.

Sources: [ 1 ] [ 2 ]