Boston (61-51) at Kansas City (63-52)
- When: Aug 7 2024, 8:10 PM
- Where: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City
- Where to watch: NESN
Game Odds, Spread, Moneyline & Total
Boston Red Sox @ Kansas City Royals
Moneyline
Boston Red Sox +116
Kansas City Royals -139
Boston Red Sox @ Kansas City Royals
Runline
Boston Red Sox 1.5 (-175)
Kansas City Royals -1.5 (+150)
Boston Red Sox @ Kansas City Royals
Total
Over 8.5 (-115)
Under 8.5 (-105)
- Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
Probable Pitchers:
Boston: Kutter Crawford (7-8, 3.81)
Kansas City: Cole Ragans (8-7, 3.36)
Team Stats
| Red Sox | Royals | |
| 61-51 | Record | 63-52 |
| 34-23 | Away & Home | 27-28 |
| 6-4 | Last 10 | 6-4 |
| W3 | Streak | L2 |
Game Preview
As the Kansas City Royals prepare to face the Boston Red Sox in the final game of their pivotal three-game series on Wednesday night, their struggling bullpen remains a key concern.
Since July 23, Kansas City has managed to win seven of 14 games, thanks to strong hitting and effective starting pitching. However, the bullpen has been a liability, with five blown saves during this period. Closer James McArthur has been particularly troubled, giving up 11 runs (nine earned) over seven games, including multiple runs in three outings and two blown saves.
Despite these issues, Royals manager Matt Quatraro maintains his faith in McArthur. "If we’re going to win games, he’s going to be a big part of this," Quatraro stated. "He’s going to get outs, and we’re not running away from him."
In response to their bullpen woes, Kansas City acquired right-handers Hunter Harvey and Lucas Erceg before the trade deadline. Harvey has had mixed results, including a pair of ninth-inning runs in a 6-5, extra-inning loss to the Detroit Tigers on Saturday, although he did secure a save the following day.
Angel Zerpa also struggled recently, allowing five hits to six batters in Monday’s 9-5 loss to the Red Sox, giving up two inherited runners and four of his own.
For Wednesday’s matchup, the Royals will start left-hander Cole Ragans (8-7, 3.36 ERA), who has a strong record against the Red Sox. Ragans is 1-0 with a 1.32 ERA in two career starts against them, including a win on July 12 where he allowed just one run on four hits over seven innings.
The Red Sox, aiming for their first series sweep since July 2-4 against Miami, will counter with right-hander Kutter Crawford (7-8, 3.81 ERA). Crawford has won four of his last five decisions despite giving up 12 homers in his past three games. He is 1-2 with a 4.70 ERA in three starts against the Royals, including a win on July 13 with seven innings of three-hit shutout pitching.
Boston, trailing the Royals by half a game in the American League wild-card race, has won four of five games against them this season. Masataka Yoshida has been instrumental in Boston’s success, hitting six times in the first two games of the series, including a home run in Tuesday’s 6-5 victory.
"He’s the guy we envisioned when we signed him," Red Sox manager Alex Cora said of Yoshida. "He was this guy in Japan. He was this guy early in the season until he was banged up, but right now he’s locked in."
Monday’s win marked Cora’s 500th victory as manager, placing him fourth in club history, behind Joe Cronin, Terry Francona, and Pinky Higgins.
MLB Parlay Picks & Predictions
Final Score: Boston 6-3
The Pick: Boston -138 & Over 8½ (-115)
A $100 Parlay Bet will return $322
- MLB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
