In this article, we will formulate an Astros vs Royals prediction for this MLB game on Monday, May 12, at Daikin Park in Houston, Texas. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this MLB matchup.
Kansas City Royals Betting Preview
The Kansas City Royals (24-18, 8-11 Away) went through their best stretch of the season, during which they recorded eight straight wins. Kansas City beat the Orioles and swept the White Sox, but lost the latest series to the Red Sox. In the most recent 3-1 defeat, Seth Lugo took the loss after allowing three runs on six hits with five strikeouts and no walks in 6.0 innings.
This year, the Royals average 3.40 runs per game (27th in the MLB) on a .242/.300/.359 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Royals’ staff has a 2.99 ERA (2nd) and 1.17 WHIP (5th). Vinnie Pasquantino leads the Royals with a .217 batting average, six home runs, and 24 RBI this season.
The projected starting pitcher for the Royals is Michael Wacha, who is 2-4 in eight starts this season, with a 2.98 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 45.1 innings.
Houston Astros Betting Preview
The Houston Astros (20-19, 13-8 Home) lost the series to the White Sox and Brewers, but beat the Cincinnati Reds in two of three games in the latest series at home. In both victories, Houston kept Cincy off the scoreboard. In Sunday’s 6-0 victory, Christian Walker and Yainer Diaz led the offense with three RBI apiece, while Ronel Blanco got the win after allowing no runs on two hits with 11 strikeouts and one walk across 8.0 innings of work.
This season, the Astros average 4.18 runs per game (17th in the MLB) on a .248/.322/.375 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Astros’ staff has a 3.44 ERA (8th) and 1.14 WHIP (26th). Yainer Diaz leads the Astros with a .238 batting average, four home runs, and 21 RBI this season.
Ryan Gusto will take the mound for the Astros on Monday. The 26-year-old right-hander has a 3-1 record in four starts this year with a 2.93 ERA and 1.27 WHIP in 27.2 innings.
Total Runs Facts
- Each of the Astros’ last seven games as favorites against American League opponents have gone OVER the total runs line.
- Ten of the Royals’ last 11 night games against American League opponents have gone UNDER the total runs line.
- The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Royals’ last nine road games against AL West opponents.
- The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Astros’ last seven Monday night games.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Astros rank T4th in the league for runs allowed this season (142).
- The Astros are one of only four teams in the league to rank top 10 in both strikeouts and walks allowed this season.
- The Royals rank 2nd in the league for ERA this season (2.99).
- The Royals rank 28th in the league for walks this season (109).
Astros vs Royals Prediction
The teams have traded wins in the last couple of years, each recording five in the previous ten H2H encounters. They already met once this year, and the Royals won that series 2-1 in Kansas City. Two of those three went Under, and considering how both teams are batting and pitching this season, I expect another low-scoring affair here. Ryan Gusto has been solid in his starts, even though he is primarily a reliever, while Michael Wacha allowed five runs in his last four starts. Back the Under.