The way the Royals are playing you can't really hope but go against them in just about any situation. Tonight's game stands out because Kansas City starter, Kyle Davie, has had a terrible season, particularly when he pitches at home. In 8 starts at Kauffman Stadium, Davies is 3-4 with a 8.12 ERA and 1.88 WHIP. The Mariners are starting Luke French, who has just 5 starts this season, but who has a 3.76 ERA on the year. The Royals have lost 6 of their last 7, hitting .233 as a team and averaging just 3.3 runs over that stretch. The Mariners have been a little better on offense, hitting .276 as a team and going 4-3 over their last 7 games, but their real edge here should come from their pitching, especially their bullpen, which is head-and-shoulders better than Kansas City's. On the season, the Mariners bullpen has an ERA of 3.83, a record of 21-18, and a save conversion rate of 68%. Those numbers aren't staggering until you compare them to KC's. The Royals pen is 4-11 at home this season with a 5.74 ERA, 1.64 WHIP and just a 50% save success rate, having blown 8 saves in 16 attempts.
Jack Jones 8/5
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