In this article, we will formulate a Royals vs Twins betting prediction for this MLB Opening Day showdown on Thursday, March 28th at the Ocean Arena. We will take a look at:
-The Minnesota Twins recent form and recent player performance
-The Kansas City Royals recent form and recent player performance
-A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for today’s game between the Twins and Royals.
Twins Slash Payroll
The Twins finally won a playoff game last year and decided the best way to build on that was to slash this year’s payroll by $30 million. Even though they decided to slash the payroll, this is still a talented team that has one of the best bullpens in baseball. Royce Lewis is a young star, and he’s in line to have a big year. Byron Buxton is also fully healthy, and when he’s healthy he’s one of the best players in the league. Getting the start for the Twins will be Pablo Lopez, and last year he finished with an 11-8 record and an ERA of 3.66. The Twins will take on the Brewers and Guardians following this one.
Twins Team Facts
- The underdogs have won each of the Twins’ last three games at Kauffman Stadium.
- The Twins have covered the run line in seven of their last eight road openers.
- The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Twins’ last four games against American League opponents.
- The Twins have led after 7 innings in each of their last four season openers against AL Central opponents.
Is Royals Rebuild Almost Over?
The Royals finished last season with a 56-106, but they went on a scoring spree to try to improve this team. Starting pitchers Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha were brought in and both have high expectations for this season. Power-hitting outfielder Hunter Renfroe is in, and he should really help the lineup. They also locked up Bobby Whitt Jr to a long-term contract. Getting the start for the Royals will be Cole Ragans who went 5-2 with an ERA of 2.64 for the Royals last season. The Royals will play against the Orioles after this series.
Royals Team Facts
- The home team has won each of the last seven games between the Twins and Royals.
- The Royals have covered the run line in each of their last six games as home underdogs against AL Central opponents.
- The Royals have won the first inning in four of their last five games as home underdogs.
- The Royals have led after 3 innings in each of their last five games as home underdogs.
- The Royals have led after 5 innings in eight of their last 10 games as underdogs.
Twins vs Royals Betting Prediction
Even on the road, the Twins are going to get the job done here. The better pitcher is Pablo Lopez and the Twins have the better lineup. The Twins also have one of the best bullpens in baseball, and they are going to lockdown here at the end of the game. Look for a 3-1 or 4-2 type of game, and the Twins are going to start the season 1-0. I am also throwing some money on the Twins on the run line.