Day baseball is upon us and we are in for quite the treat as this divisional series wraps up. The Minnesota Twins have taken the first two games from the Kansas City Royals at Target Field, and this afternoon they look to complete the sweep. These teams have been battling it out in the AL Central, and as it currently stands, the Twins are 2.5 games ahead of the Royals. Minnesota is just 3.5 games behind Cleveland, while Kansas City is 6 game back, and with the season coming to a close soon, we are in for a hell of a race in the AL Central. But before the playoffs, we get to watch these teams square off one more time today, and also for another 3 games in September.
The Twins lead the overall season series, 7-2, but the Royals have made some games entertaining. With their 27-30 record on the road, will they be able to pull off the win and avoid the sweep? Vegas thinks so with the odds their are posting, and with Cole Ragans on the mound, anything is possible. However, the Royals bats are simply not what they are at home, and its come to hurt them plenty this season. Lucky for them, they will be facing Louie Varland, who has not been good at all this season.
Varland comes into this game with just 30.2 innings pitched on the year. In that time, he’s posting a 6.46 ERA, a 1.66 WHIP and is 0-4 on the season. The Twins are actually 2-5 with him on the mound, but I think this could be a great matchup for the visiting team. Let’s really dive into this game and find our best bets!
Kansas City Royals vs Minnesota Twins: AL Central Showdown
Cole Ragans pitches against the Twins this afternoon
Game Information – Royals vs Twins
- Venue & Location: Target Field (Minneapolis, MN)
- Date: Wednesday, August 14th, 2024
- First Pitch: 1:10pm Eastern
- Broadcast: MLB Network
Royals vs Twins Starting Pitchers
- Kansas City Royals: Cole Ragans (9-7, 3.27 ERA, 1.17 WHIP)
- Minnesota Twins: Louie Varland (0-4, 6.46 ERA, 1.66 WHIP)
Betting Odds
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Run Line
- Royals -1.5 (+150)
- Twins +1.5 (-170)
Money Line
- Royals -110
- Twins +100
Total
- Over 8.5 (+103)
- Under 8.5 (-123)
Why Are Twins Home Dogs Going for Sweep?
Lewis and the Twins are underdogs at home to the Royals today
I’ll tell you why, it’s because Cole Freaking Ragans is on the mound. The lefty has his splits significantly improve on the road and in day games. Let me break it down. Ragans ERA drops from 3.27 to 2.86 on the road this year, and 2.44 in 9 day games. Pretty good if you ask me. His already stellar 1.17 WHIP drops to 1.08 on the road and 1.05 in those day games. Everything is lining up for this man to lead his team to a much needed victory.
The Royals have lost 2 straight and 5 of their L7 games. They are slipping in the AL Central standings, and are just 1 game ahead of the Red Sox for the final Wild Card spot. Both teams need this win, but I think the Yals need it a little more. While Ragans has improved splits, so do the Twins hitters, so facing them will be a tough task. Minnesota hits .254 as a team, .269 at home and .263 against LHP. They also hit .257 in day games, so the numbers back them to have a good game as well. However, Ragans has been pitching great recently.
Ragans has won his last two starts, and 4 of his L5 as well. Ragans has allowed just 3 earned run in his L2 starts or 12 innings, while striking out 13 total batters. He is 2-0 in his L3 starts on the road, allowing just 5 total runs. The man is already in playoff form, and tonight I think he can shut down the Twins batters, even with their improved splits.
Can Royals Bats Wake Up?
The question will as to whether or not the Royals bats can give him some run support. The Royals see a bit of a drop off hitting on the road, as their .253 average drops to .236. On the bright side, they are batting .278 since the All Star Break and .263 in the month of August. Obviously this team knows how crucial these wins are, and with their stud on the mound, I bet the boys rally to put up some runs behind him. The Royals have only been swept twice this season, and they have avoided the sweep on the final game a series 5 separate times. This team is resilient, and tonight I will be taking them to get it done. Shocker, right?
Kansas City Royals vs Minnesota Twins Best Bets
Bobby Witt and the Royals are fighting to make the playoffs
Royals vs Twins Prediction: Royals Win
Best Bet: Royals ML (-110) BetOnline
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Chalk City once again as I take my own squad to get the job done. Ragans is a force on the road, plain and simple, and I trust this team to battle with their divisional opponent and avoid the sweep. While the bats have not been up to par at all, against Louie Varland today, I see them having a field day.
As stated earlier, Varland does not have much experience this year, and his opponents rake him for a .311 average and .864 OPS. Even with the Royals decreased splits, I see them getting to this guy. Varland’s already inflated 6.46 ERA jumps to 9.45 in 2 day games this year, and his WHIP up to 2.42. While he slightly improves at home, it is not enough to back him today. The Twins have dominated the Royals all season long, but today I think they get a little bit of revenge.
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