With a loss in the series opener Friday, the Kansas City Royals have continued a tradition of road woes with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The road team has gone just 2-6 in the past eight between the Royals and Dodgers. Will this trend hold up when the two teams continue their three-game set Saturday?
After some up-and-down performances throughout the season, Ian Kennedy has been stellar for the Royals recently. The 10-year veteran has a 2.22 ERA and has held opponents to a .165 batting average across his past four starts. Kennedy had perhaps his best start in months in his most recent outing, as the righty pitched 6.2 innings of one-run ball and did not surrender a home run for the first time in 11 games.
The Dodgers will activate Brandon McCarthy from the 10-day DL to make the start in this one. The right-hander struggled in his most recent outing, pitching just 3.0 innings while surrendering four runs. However, McCarthy has been typically solid, as he has allowed two or fewer earned runs in six of his past seven starts.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
The Los Angeles Dodgers were listed as -188 moneyline favorites earlier in the day at Sportsbook, while oddsmakers set the Sportsbook total line around 8.5 earlier at Sportsbook.
OddsShark computer prediction handicapping models run on this game pick a 5.8-2.2 victory for the Dodgers. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming MLB matchups here.
Kansas City Royals vs Los Angeles Dodgers Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
59-29 Los Angeles battles the Royals, currently with a 44-41 mark. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Los Angeles vs Kansas City injuries news.
The OddsShark MLB Power Rankings have the Los Angeles Dodgers at No. 1 and the Kansas City Royals at No. 9 heading into this contest.
Statistical Matchup
The game also pits Los Angeles Dodgers No. 4-rated offense, averaging 5.15 runs per game, against a Kansas City Royals defense that ranks No. 10 at 4.44 in runs allowed per game. The Los Angeles Dodgers have averaged 8.6 hits per game so far, more than Kansas City Royals batters have averaged on the year (8.45 hits per game).
Comparing defensive stats, Kansas City owns the No. 15-rated road mark, allowing 4.62 runs per game on the highway. Los Angeles, on the other hand, rates No. 6 in scoring at home.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Kansas City suffered a 4-1 loss against Los Angeles on Friday, as Jason Hammel wasn't able to lead his team to victory at Dodger Stadium.
Next Betting Matchups
Kansas City at Los Angeles, Sunday, July 9