We’re getting down to crunch time in the Major League Baseball schedule and the race for the two AL wild-card spots is heating up. Two teams right in the thick of things will do battle at Kauffman Stadium this evening when the Royals, who are in one of the two final playoff spots, host a Mariners side that sits just 2.5 games back of them.
- The Royals are 6-0 SU in their last 6 games at home.
- The total has gone OVER in 7 of the Mariners’ last 10 games with a closing total of 8.5 or more.
- The Mariners are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games on the road against the Royals.
Sportsbook them as the pretty significant home underdog, though, Sportsbooks aren’t too concerned with the trends and they’re putting the bulk of their faith in the Big Maple, James Paxton (11-3, 2.68 ERA). The Mariners ace has been unbelievable this year and Seattle has won six straight games when the Canadian southpaw has toed the starting rubber.
In his four starts since the all-star break, Paxton owns a pristine 4-0 record to go along with a sparkling 1.04 ERA and he’s struck out 34 batters in 26 innings of work – impressive.
He’ll go pitch for pitch with Jason Hammel (5-8, 4.75 ERA) in a matchup that makes it obvious why Seattle is such a chalky play on the road. Although he’s been much better of late, Hammel’s best days are behind him and it’s unfair to expect him to outpitch the up-and-coming Paxton.
What the Royals do have going for them, though, is their major league-best defense. It’s propelled them on a winning streak in Kansas City and it gives them a chance to cash the juice tonight.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Betting fans looking to pick the Kansas City Royals in this matchup found them as 133 underdogs on the MLB money line at Sportsbook. Betting the OVER/UNDER instead? It was 8.5 at its open earlier today and hovering near that number at Sportsbook.
OddsShark computer prediction handicapping models run on this game pick a 6.0-3.2 victory for the Mariners. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming MLB matchups here.
Seattle Mariners vs Kansas City Royals Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
56-51 Kansas City battles the Mariners, currently with a 55-55 mark. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Kansas City vs Seattle injuries news.
The MLB Power Rankings show a disparity between these teams, with the Kansas City Royals rated this week at No. 9 and the Seattle Mariners sitting at No. 16.
Statistical Matchup
Offensively, the game matches up Kansas City Royals No. 23-ranked offense (4.33 runs per game) against a Seattle Mariners defense and pitching staff that sits at No. 15 at 4.74 runs allowed per game. The Kansas City Royals have been averaging 8.67 hits per game, less than the Seattle Mariners have managed so far this season (8.86 hits on average).
Kansas City owns the No. 10 defense, allowing 4.33 men per game to cross the plate. That contrasts with Seattle's No. 15-rated defense.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
The Mariners were saddled with a loss last time out in Yovani Gallardo's start, as they lost 6-4 against Kansas City on Thursday at Kauffman Stadium.
- Seattle is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
- Seattle is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
- Seattle is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games on the road
- The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Seattle's last 6 games on the road
- Kansas City is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games
- Kansas City is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games
- Kansas City is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Kansas City's last 5 games
Next Betting Matchups
Seattle at Kansas City, Saturday, August 5
