Cleveland Indians vs Kansas City Royals Doubleheader MLB Picks, Odds, Predictions 9/20/2021

The Kansas City Royals and the Cleveland Indians meet Monday in MLB doubleheader action from Progressive Field. Kansas City is coming off a weekend series versus the Mariners. The Royals split the first two games, then on Sunday KC lost by six runs. As for the Indians, they played the Yankees in their last set. Cleveland also split their first pair, and in the Sunday rubber match the Indians won in a blowout. Check back all season long for free MLB picks at Sports Chat Place. 

Kansas City took a 6-2 defeat in their Friday opener versus the Mariners, but then bounced back for an 8-1 win on Saturday. In the Sunday game the Royals gave up five runs in the first three innings during a 7-1 defeat. Starter Jackson Kowar put up those five earned on seven hits and three walks in 4.0 innings. 

For the starter gig in the Monday game one, the Royals are sending out Brady Singer. This year Singer is 4-10 with a 4.85 ERA and 124 Ks. For the game two start, the Royals will send out Daniel Lynch. 

Over on the Indians’ side, they took a rough 8-0 loss to the Yankees on Friday, then notched an 11-3 win on Saturday in game two. In the finale Sunday Cleveland destroyed New York 11-1. Starter Eli Morgan posted 6.0 innings with six hits, one earned and three strikeouts. 

For the starting pitcher slot in the first Monday matchup the Indians will go with Triston McKenzie. He’s 5-6 so far with a 4.28 ERA and 127 Ks. Cal Quantrill will get the start in game two for Cleveland.

The Royals are 4-1 in their last five Monday games and 8-2 in their last 10 in game one of a series. KC is also 7-3 in their last 10 versus a team with a losing record. 

Meanwhile, the Indians are 1-4 in their last five in game one of a series and 1-4 in their last five in opening games of a doubleheader. The under is also 19-9 in KC’s last 28 road games.

PICKS: For game one, I’m going with Cleveland. Singer is coming off a pretty ugly start in Minnesota, posting six earned on seven hits, two walks and a whopping five homers in 4.2 innings. As for McKenzie, he’s been really solid over his last trio with just three earned in 18.0 innings.

As for game two, I’m probably leaning Cleveland again. The Indians offense really showcased its capabilities in the last two installments of the Yankees series, exploding for 22 runs in that pair. If the bats stay hot it’s going to be hard for KC to keep up.