Cleveland Guardians (72-79) vs. Kansas City Royals (49-102)
The Cleveland Guardians are set to square off against the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, in what promises to be an intriguing late-season showdown. The Guardians are trying to maintain a respectable record as they currently stand at 72-79, while the Royals are languishing at the bottom with a 49-102 record. Taking place at Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium, this clash brings into focus our MLB top picks based on statistical analysis and recent form.
The Cleveland Guardians come into this game with a subpar record but superior stats compared to the Royals. They’ve got a team batting average of .250 and have scored 618 runs off 1288 hits, which underlines their capacity to score. Their pitching staff has posted a relatively competitive 3.91 ERA and 1.28 WHIP, figures that should give them some confidence. However, they haven’t been great on the road, with a 1-5 straight-up (SU) record in their last six games away from home.
Kansas City Royals have not had a memorable season, posting a dismal 49-102 record. They trail Guardians in multiple statistical categories such as batting average (.242) and 5.22 ERA (511 walks), yet they have shown recent strength with five victories out of six in the last seven home games at 5-1 against the spread and one win outright (5-0 SU).
Cleveland Guardians vs. Kansas City Royals Game Info
| When: | Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at 2:10 PM ET |
| Where: | Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium |
| TV: | BSKC |
| Stream: | MLB.TV |
Lucas Giolito (8-13 W-L, 4.69 ERA) vs. Zack Greinke (1-15 W-L, 5.39 ERA)
Lucas Giolito has had an inconsistent season as the starting pitcher for the Guardians, with an 8-13 record and 4.69 ERA. While his 1.25 WHIP and 189 strikeouts in 170.2 innings suggest he has the potential to dominate but has struggled with consistency – one primary concern being 36 homers given up, which Kansas City could exploit as they attempt to take down Giolito.
On the other side, Zack Greinke will be taking the mound for the Royals. His 1-15 record and 5.39 ERA are not indicators of the quality veteran pitcher he has been over the years. Greinke has given up 148 hits and 25 home runs in 128.2 innings, and with a WHIP of 1.31, he hasn’t been the most reliable. However, he’s a seasoned campaigner and might just pull off a surprise.
MLB Odds/Point Spread: Cleveland Guardians -144, Total Odds: 9
The betting odds favor the Guardians with a Moneyline of -144 and a spread of -1.5 at +105. The total over/under is set at 9, with the over at -115. Given the recent betting trends and the disparity in team statistics, the Guardians emerge as the more likely victors.
Cleveland Guardians Betting Trends
Cleveland’s recent performance has been somewhat of a mixed bag. They have a 4-2 SU record in their last 6 games and have fared well against the Royals with a 9-4 SU record in their last 13 matchups. However, they’ve struggled on the road, losing 5 of their last 6 games in away settings. Additionally, the total has gone UNDER in 12 of their last 17 games against opponents in the American League Central Division.
Kansas City Royals Betting Trends
Kansas City has been strong recently, with a 5-1 SU record in their last 6 games and a 5-2 SU record in their last 7 games at home. The total has also gone UNDER in 6 of their last 9 games against Cleveland. They seem to show particular resilience when playing against the American League, winning 4 of their last 5 games in such matchups.
Cleveland Guardians vs. Kansas City Royals 9/20/23 Betting Picks
Given the recent form of both teams and the statistical evidence, it’s difficult to choose a clear winner. However, the Guardians have a statistical edge and favorable trends when playing the Royals, making them the safer pick. In terms of prop bets, considering both teams’ recent form, it might be wise to look at the UNDER 9 option for total runs scored, especially since both teams have shown a propensity for low-scoring games recently. For those looking to place wagers, you can find some of the best live betting websites offering competitive odds for this matchup.
Free Pick and Prediction: Cleveland Guardians 5, Kansas City Royals 3
