The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to face off against the Kansas City Royals in a weekend series starting Friday night at Kauffman Stadium. As the Dodgers hold a strong record of 51-31, they enter the matchup against the 38-43 Royals amidst a notable winning streak, having secured 10 victories in their last 12 games.
When assessing potential game outcomes, oddsmakers have placed the total runs at 9.5, but there is skepticism about a high-scoring affair. The Royals have struggled offensively, managing only four runs over their last five games, which all resulted in unders against the total. Additionally, they continue to be at the bottom of the league in several offensive categories, particularly against right-handed pitchers, a category in which Dodgers’ starter Dustin May is expected to shine.
Dustin May, with a record of 4-5 and a 4.46 ERA, will be pitching for the Dodgers. The Royals’ lineup, ranking last in wRC+ (52) and wOBA (.250) against right-handers over the past two weeks, offers a favorable matchup for the talented right-hander. On the other side, the Royals will send rookie Noah Cameron to the mound, whose impressive 2.08 ERA reflects his potential, although he may see a decline in performance as the season progresses.
A notable aspect of these teams’ recent performances includes the Royals’ bullpen, which has been solid, showcasing a 3.05 ERA over the past 15 days—an encouraging sign despite their recent overall struggles.
With these dynamics in play, there are predictions leaning towards a lower scoring game, making “Under 9.5” an appealing option for bettors interested in this matchup. The Dodgers’ away prowess and the Royals’ home struggles set the stage for an intriguing series opener.
This weekend series presents an opportunity for the Dodgers to extend their winning streak while the Royals seek to break out of their slump and regain some momentum. Despite the challenges they face, all teams have the potential to turn the tide as the season progresses, and fans can look forward to an exciting clash between these two teams.