Kansas City (67-55) at Cincinnati (60-62)
- When: Aug 17 2024, 6:40 PM
- Where: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati
- Where to watch: BSKC
Game Odds, Spread, Moneyline & Total
Kansas City Royals @ Cincinnati Reds
Moneyline
Kansas City Royals +108
Cincinnati Reds -130
Kansas City Royals @ Cincinnati Reds
Runline
Kansas City Royals 1.5 (-180)
Cincinnati Reds -1.5 (+155)
Kansas City Royals @ Cincinnati Reds
Total
Over 9.5 (-105)
Under 9.5 (-115)
- Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
Probable Pitchers:
Kansas City: Michael Wacha (9-6, 3.50)
Cincinnati: Nick Lodolo (9-4, 3.99)
Team Stats
| Royals | Reds | |
| 67-55 | Record | 60-62 |
| 29-30 | Away & Home | 29-30 |
| 5-5 | Last 10 | 6-4 |
| W2 | Streak | L1 |
Game Preview
There are many ways to describe Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr.’s performances, but teammate Michael Lorenzen sums it up succinctly: "He’s the real deal."
Witt’s impressive play continued on Friday as he notched three hits, raising his league-leading batting average to .352. The Royals are now focused on securing a series win against the Cincinnati Reds as they head into their Saturday matchup.
In Friday’s 7-1 victory, Witt was a standout, falling just a triple short of the cycle and smashing his 25th home run of the season. He became only the third Royal to achieve 25 home runs and 25 stolen bases in consecutive seasons, joining Bo Jackson (1988-89) and Carlos Beltran (2002-03).
A first-time All-Star this season, Witt is a strong MVP contender, trailing only New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge in the race. Witt leads the majors in batting average, runs (105), and hits (171), and is also among the top three in RBIs (90) and OPS (1.021).
"His performance is incredible," said Lorenzen, who earned the win for the Royals on Friday. "And his work ethic and approach make me respect him even more."
Since June 30, Witt has been on fire, hitting .456 with 13 home runs and a 1.337 OPS. His strategy is straightforward: attack the pitcher, enjoy the game, and stay focused pitch by pitch.
The Royals will face Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo (9-4, 3.99 ERA) on Saturday. Lodolo will be making his first career start against Kansas City. He last pitched on Sunday, giving up three runs on three hits and three walks over 5 1/3 innings in a no-decision against the Milwaukee Brewers.
The Reds won that game 4-3, starting a four-game winning streak that ended on Friday. Cincinnati is currently four games behind the National League’s final wild-card spot.
Cincinnati may be short on bullpen help as right-hander Fernando Cruz, who threw 32 pitches and allowed four runs in two innings on Friday, struggles with a 5.47 ERA for the season. Since July 3, Cruz has given up 15 runs in 13 innings (10.38 ERA).
"Fernando needs to keep working," said Reds manager David Bell. "He’s shown good signs recently, but had a tough inning."
Despite only getting four hits on Friday, Jonathan India managed a 1-for-2 game with two walks and a run, ending a 0-for-23 slump. He’s now 4-for-7 with two home runs and four RBIs over the last two games.
Cincinnati will try to overcome Royals’ pitcher Michael Wacha (9-6, 3.50 ERA), who is 13-3 with a 2.54 ERA in 26 career outings against the Reds. Wacha has delivered three consecutive quality starts, allowing three earned runs or fewer in each of his last 14 appearances.
The Royals are currently 2 1/2 games ahead of the Boston Red Sox for the American League’s final wild-card spot.
MLB Parlay Picks & Predictions
Final Score: Kansas City 5-3
The Pick: Kansas City +108 & Under 9½ (-115)
A $100 Parlay Bet will return $389
- MLB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
