Kansas City (75-61) at Houston (73-62)
- When: Aug 31 2024, 7:10 PM
- Where: Minute Maid Park, Houston
- Where to watch: SCHN
Game Odds, Spread, Moneyline & Total
Kansas City Royals @ Houston Astros
Moneyline
Kansas City Royals +114
Houston Astros -136
Kansas City Royals @ Houston Astros
Runline
Kansas City Royals 1.5 (-185)
Houston Astros -1.5 (+160)
Kansas City Royals @ Houston Astros
Total
Over 7.5 (-110)
Under 7.5 (-110)
- Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
Probable Pitchers:
Kansas City: Cole Ragans (10-8, 3.28)
Houston: Yusei Kikuchi (6-9, 4.39)
Team Stats
| Royals | Astros | |
| 75-61 | Record | 73-62 |
| 34-33 | Away & Home | 36-33 |
| 5-5 | Last 10 | 5-5 |
| L3 | Streak | W3 |
Game Preview
In the midst of Houston’s back-to-back clutch wins against the Kansas City Royals, an overlooked aspect was the defensive struggles that nearly cost the Astros the game.
Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena made a pivotal ninth-inning error on Friday that allowed Royals third baseman Paul DeJong to smash a game-tying two-run homer off closer Josh Hader. Despite the setback, Houston clinched a 3-2 walk-off win thanks to Jose Altuve’s ninth-inning RBI double, ensuring at least a split in the four-game series.
The teams reconvene Saturday night in Houston.
Pena’s latest mistake added to his growing error total, marking his 18th of the season, up from 14 in the previous year. Astros manager Joe Espada expressed unwavering confidence in Pena, asserting, “He’s the shortstop we rely on, and he’s one of the best in the league despite recent errors. He’s playing tomorrow because he’s crucial to our team."
Houston will start left-hander Yusei Kikuchi (6-9, 4.39 ERA) on Saturday. Kikuchi’s last outing ended in a no-decision against the Baltimore Orioles, where he gave up three runs over 5 2/3 innings. Since joining the Astros, Houston has won all five games with Kikuchi on the mound, with him posting a 2.89 ERA in those starts.
Kikuchi has a mixed record against the Royals, with a 5.80 ERA over eight career starts. In his last match against Kansas City, he allowed two runs over six innings, contributing to a win.
Opposing him for the Royals will be left-hander Cole Ragans (10-8, 3.28 ERA), who also didn’t factor into the decision in his last start, a narrow win over the Cleveland Guardians. Ragans has reached new career highs this season in wins, starts, and strikeouts, boasting a 2.85 ERA in his last 18 outings.
Ragans has a 5.40 ERA in six career appearances against the Astros. In his last face-off on April 9, he yielded three runs over five innings but did not receive a decision.
Adding to the Royals’ challenges, first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino is set for surgery on a broken right thumb, sidelining him for six to eight weeks. Royals manager Matt Quatraro emphasized team resilience in Pasquantino’s absence, stating, “We can’t rely on one person to fill Vinnie’s role, but we have the depth to continue playing winning baseball."
MLB Parlay Picks & Predictions
Final Score: Kansas City 4-3
Expert Pick: Kansas City +114 & Under 7½ (-110)
A $100 Parlay Bet will return $409
- MLB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
