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Colt Keith’s Tigers Pursue Playoff Spot in Series vs. Royals

Divisional bragging rights will be on the line when the Tigers and the Royals meet at Kauffman Stadium.

(Photo by Getty Images) Colt Keith

Detroit (78-73) at Kansas City (82-69)

  • When: Sep 17 2024, 7:40 PM
  • Where: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City
  • Where to watch: BSKC

Game Odds, Spread, Moneyline & Total

Detroit Tigers @ Kansas City Royals
Moneyline

Detroit Tigers   +144
Kansas City Royals   -175

Detroit Tigers @ Kansas City Royals
Runline

Detroit Tigers   1.5 (-145)
Kansas City Royals   -1.5 (+125)

Detroit Tigers @ Kansas City Royals
Total

Over   8.0 (-105)
Under   8.0 (-115)

Probable Pitchers:
Detroit: Casey Mize (2-6, 4.47)
Kansas City: Cole Ragans (11-9, 3.32)

Team Stats

Tigers   Royals
78-73 Record 82-69
39-37 Away & Home 37-38
7-3 Last 10 7-3
W2 Streak L2

Game Preview

Since mid-August, the Detroit Tigers have emerged as unexpected contenders for the American League playoff spot.

Continuing their quest for the postseason, the Tigers play the second game of their series against the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday.

Following a defeat in San Francisco on August 10, Detroit was eight games below .500. Since then, the Tigers have rallied impressively, boasting a major league-leading 23-10 record over the last five weeks. During this period, their pitchers have maintained a league-low 2.57 ERA, and their hitters have scored an average of 4.73 runs per game.

Now just 1 1/2 games behind the Minnesota Twins for the last AL wild-card slot, Detroit (78-73) is in a strong position to contend.

"Their pitching has been outstanding, and their bullpen has stepped up," said Royals manager Matt Quatraro about the Tigers’ recent performance.

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch is focused on maintaining his team’s focus as they navigate the season’s final stretch.

"The pressure is there," Hinch admitted. "I try to keep it light for our younger players, but we’re all acutely aware of the stakes."

Tigers players, including Colt Keith, who contributed a two-run homer in Detroit’s 7-6 comeback win on Monday, acknowledge keeping an eye on the scoreboard.

"The Royals are also unexpectedly in the playoff hunt after last year’s 106-loss season, thanks to significant improvements to their pitching staff," said Royals GM J.J. Picollo.

An MVP-caliber season from Bobby Witt Jr. and a strong performance from Salvador Perez have also propelled the Royals.

"It’s about the complete team dynamics and mutual belief," Picollo noted. "When a team is cohesive, they can achieve remarkable things."

Kansas City (82-69) has excelled at home this year, turning Kauffman Stadium into a stronghold with a 45-31 record.

"Our roster is built to maximize our large home field," Quatraro explained. "Our approach centers around speed, versatility, and strong pitching."

Even with a comfortable lead in the wild-card race, Quatraro remains cautious.

"Every game is crucial," he stressed. "We’re in a good position, but we must continue to play at our best."

Detroit will send right-hander Casey Mize (2-6, 4.47 ERA) to the mound, while Kansas City counters with left-hander Cole Ragans (11-9, 3.32).

Mize has had mixed results against the Royals, with a 5.65 ERA in nine career starts. Ragans, on the other hand, has been effective against Detroit, holding a 1.54 ERA in two matchups this year, including a career-best 12-strikeout game on May 22.

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MLB Parlay Picks & Predictions

Final Score: Kansas City 6-4
The Pick: Kansas City -175 & Over 8 (-105)
A $100 Parlay Bet will return $307

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