In this article, we will formulate a Padres vs Royals prediction for this MLB game on Saturday, June 21, at PETCO Park in San Diego, California. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this MLB matchup.
Kansas City Royals Betting Preview
The Kansas City Royals (38-38, 19-19 Away) put a six-game losing skid behind them with a four-game winning streak. Following a series sweep of the Texas Rangers on the road, the Royals opened the current series against the San Diego Padres with a 6-5 win on Friday. Jonathan India led the offense with a three-run homer, while Michael Lorenzen pitched for 5.1 innings in a no-decision, allowing two runs on five hits with four strikeouts and three walks. Lucas Erceg was credited with the win.
This year, the Royals average 3.41 runs per game (29th in the MLB) on a .248/.302/.373 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Royals’ staff has a 3.39 ERA (4th) and 1.21 WHIP (7th). Vinnie Pasquantino leads the Royals with a .271 batting average, 11 home runs, and 41 RBI this season.
The projected starting pitcher for the Royals is Noah Cameron, who is 2-2 in seven starts this season, with a 1.91 ERA and 0.90 WHIP in 42.1 innings.
San Diego Padres Betting Preview
The San Diego Padres (40-35, 21-13 Home) are not playing well recently; they lost seven of the previous nine games, losing three straight series to the Dodgers, Diamondbacks, and Dodgers again. Their luck hasn’t changed in Game 1 of the series against the Royals, losing 6-5. Gavin Sheets led the offense with two RBI, while Nick Pivetta pitched for 4.2 innings in a no-decision, allowing four runs on six hits with three strikeouts and two walks. Jason Adam took the loss.
This season, the Padres average 4.23 runs per game (18th in the MLB) on a .250/.317/.380 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Padres’ staff has a 3.63 ERA (9th) and 1.22 WHIP (11th). Manny Machado leads the Padres with a .311 batting average, 12 home runs, and 46 RBI this season.
Dylan Cease will take the mound for the Padres on Saturday. The 29-year-old right-hander has a 2-6 record in 15 starts this year with a 4.69 ERA and 1.33 WHIP in 80.2 innings.
Why the Royals will cover
- The Padres have lost eight of their last nine games as favorites against American League opponents following a loss.
- The underdogs have won six of the Royals’ last seven games.
- The Royals have covered the run line each of their last nine road games against National League opponents that held a winning record.
- The Padres have failed to cover the run line in each of their last six games as favorites against American League opponents.
- The Padres have trailed after 5 innings in each of their last four day games against American League opponents.
- The Padres have trailed after 3 innings in three of their last four games as favorites.
Total Runs Facts
- Each of the Royals’ last five road games against National League opponents have gone OVER the total runs line.
- Each of the Padres’ last four day games against AL Central opponents have gone UNDER the total runs line.
- The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in eight of the Royals’ last nine games as road underdogs.
- The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Padres’ last four games as favorites.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Padres rank 4th in the league for opponent batting average this season (.228).
- The Padres rank 5th in the league for hits allowed this season (564).
- The Royals rank 29th in the league for home runs this season (55).
- The Royals rank 29th in the league for RBIs this season (255).
Padres vs Royals Prediction
The teams have traded wins in the past couple of years, each recording five in the previous ten H2H encounters. The Royals are currently in a better place than the Padres, and they already beat them in Game 1, so I wouldn’t be surprised if the visitors take another W on Saturday. Still, I am not going to bet on the winner, but I will back KC to stay close and cover the run line. Noah Cameron has been excellent so far; he bounced back from a bad start against the Yankees with a shutout of the A’s, and I think he can get a quality start in this one. Dylan Cease, on the other hand, allowed multiple runs in six of his previous seven starts; 3+ in five of the last six. The Royals will get their chance.