Minnesota Twins (71-88) vs. Kansas City Royals (73-86)
October 2, 2021 7:10 pm EDT
The Line: Kansas City Royals -105 / Minnesota Twins -125; Over/Under: +9
(Get latest betting odds)
The Minnesota Twins and the Kansas City Royals meet Saturday in MLB action from Kauffman Stadium. This will be the second installment in a three-game weekend series to finish off the regular season. In the Friday opener, Kansas City won by five runs. Check back all season long for free MLB picks at Sports Chat Place.
Minnesota played the Tigers this week, winning Tuesday and Wednesday before a 10-7 loss in the finale. On Friday versus the Royals, the Twins put up 13 hits but still lost 11-6. John Gant put up 4.0 innings with six earned runs on eight hits and two walks.
For the starter gig in the Saturday game, the Twins will send out Griffin Jax. In his 77.0 innings this year Jax has 81 hits, 62 runs (58 earned), 23 homers allowed, 27 walks, 62 Ks and a 6.78 ERA.
Over on the Royals’ side, they played four games versus the Indians this week and managed to win two. In the Friday game KC scored in all but three innings and had 15 hits. Starter Jon Heasley lasted 5.1 frames with four earned on six hits and a walk.
For the starting pitcher slot on Saturday the Royals are going with Kris Bubic. This year Bubic is 6-6 with a 4.52 ERA and 109 Ks.
The Twins are 6-1 in their last seven in game two of a series and the over is 30-13-2 in their last 45 in game two of a series. The under is 13-6 in Minnesota’s last 19 versus the AL Central as well.
Meanwhile, the Royals are 5-13 in their last 18 Saturday games and 12-5 in their last 17 versus a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30. The over is also 3-1-1 in KC’s last five in game two of a series.
PICK: I’m going to try the Twins, but probably not touching it. Jax has been serviceable but not great over his last five starts. He hasn’t given up more than four earned in an outing during that span, but he hasn’t given up fewer than three earned either. Jax is coming off four earned in 5.0 innings versus the Blue Jays, and he’s given up four homers combined in his last two outings. If he can keep the damage minimal Minnesota should be in decent shape if the offense comes through.
