The Kansas City Royals and the Oakland Athletics will conclude their two game series tonight when they hook up for a 10:05pm ET battle at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. The Royals, who have lost a four in a row on their current road swing, are hoping to stay atop the AL Central standings by getting a split with the A's this evening.
Kansas City Royals vs Oakland Athletics MLB Predictions at BetUS.com have the A's listed as a slight -115 money line favorite. The game total is set at 8.5 with the over being favored at -115 odds.
The Royals fell to 18-15 last night as the A's pounded them 12-3 in Oakland. Luke Hochevar, who was making his first start of the season for Kansas City, got blasted for seven hits and eight earned runs in just two innings. The Athletics finished the game with 13 hits, and despite scoring 12 runs, left nine runners on base. Orlando Cabrera was the biggest offensive star for the Oakland, going 3-for-5 with four RBI.
The Royals had 10 hits, but left eight runners of their own on base. Coco Crisp went 3-for-3 in the loss; he also drew a walk and hit a solo home run.
Oakland's Trevor Cahill improved to 2-2 on the year as he gave up seven hits and two earned runs in six innings.
Kansas City will try to end their skid with former USC Trojan Brian Bannister on the mound. Bannister is 3-0 in four starts this year with a 1.48 ERA. Kansas City is 4-0 this season when Bannister takes the hill.
Oakland will counter with Central Missouri State product Josh Outman. The southpaw has started four games for the Athletics this year, accumulating a 0-0 record and a 5.30 ERA. Outman has averaged just 4.55 innings in his starting appearances.
The Royals are 7-7 this season as a road dog and they are averaging 4.06 runs per game in opposing venues. Oakland is just 2-6 as a home favorite; they are allowing an average of 4.35 runs per game to visiting squads.
BetUS.com Kansas City Royals vs Oakland Athletics MLB Predictions:
Kansas City Royals +1.5 (-210), Over 8.5 (-115), -105 (Moneyline)
Oakland Athletics -1.5 (+175), Under 8.5 (-105), -115 (Moneyline)
Be sure to visit Handicappingtotals.com today to take advantage of the best in baseball handicapping. Handicappingtotals.com offers their exclusive Baseball Totals Guide as well as an in-season monthly newsletter that is guaranteed to give you the edge you need for the 2009 Major League Baseball season.
