The Kansas City Royals and the Oakland Athletics meet Sunday in MLB action from O.co Coliseum. This will be the final installment in a four-game weekend series between these teams. After a split in the first pair of games, on Saturday the A’s took the edge with a nine-run victory. Check back all season long for free MLB picks at Sports Chat Place.
Kansas City managed a 6-1 victory in the Thursday opener of this set, but fell 4-3 in the Friday game two. On Saturday, the Royals coughed up four runs in the first two innings in an eventual 11-2 loss. Jackson Kowar posted 1.1 innings with four earned on five hits and three walks.
For the Sunday finale, the Royals will send Kris Bubic to the hill for the start. Over his 38.0 innings this year, Bubic has 33 hits, 15 runs (14 earned), six homers allowed, 18 walks, 32 Ks and a 3.32 ERA.
Over on the A’s side, they saw a 3-0 lead evaporate in the Friday game but were able to come back for the win. In the Saturday matchup, Oakland’s offense was cooking on 14 hits during the victory. James Kaprielian lasted 6.0 innings with two hits, four walks and no earned.
For the Sunday game, the A’s are sending Chris Bassitt to the mound for the start. Over his 81.0 innings of work this year, Bassitt has 64 hits, 31 earned runs, seven homers allowed, 18 walks, 86 Ks and a 3.44 ERA.
The Royals are 70-154 in their last 224 versus a team with a winning record and 17-48 in their last 65 versus the AL West. The under is 6-0 in KC’s last six in game four of a series and 13-3-2 in their last 18 Sunday games.
Meanwhile, the A’s are 47-13 in their last 60 versus the AL Central and 38-15 in their last 53 versus a lefty starter. Oakland is 24-11 in their last 35 in game four of a series and the under is 6-1 in their last seven versus a lefty starter.
PICK: I’m sticking with the A’s. Bassitt was a little shaky on June 1 versus the Mariners with four earned in 4.0 innings, but otherwise he’s been solid with two or fewer earned in three of his last four. As for Bubic, he coughed up four homers in his last start June 8 versus the Angels, with six earned in 4.0 innings. I like Bubic to pitch better here, with Bassitt winning the starter battle and putting Oakland in a good spot.