Kansas City shoots for a fifth straight when as they continue their series with Detroit in the May 21st Tigers at Royals betting matchup. K.C. took the opener 8-3 on Monday as they try to avenge a series loss at Comerica Park at the end of April.
Despite K.C. being 30-19 on the season and 1.5 GB of Cleveland in the AL Central, oddsmakers had them as just -104 favorites in the series opener which is up to -112 for game two. It’s no surprise that nearly 70% of public bettors are backing the Royals here.
Why the Tigers Have Value on Tuesday
Kansas City looks like a trap play at just -112 with a four game win streak, so Detroit (-103) could be in line for a contrarian play. The Tigers (23-24) are two games above .500 on the road and just took two of three in Arizona over the weekend when they scored a combined 25 runs.
Kerry Carpenter had a nice night on Monday going 2-3 with a HR while Colt Keith had a 3-hit game. Keith is 8 for his last 9, Carson Kelly is 5 for his last 9, and Javy Baez is coming alive with a .375 average over the past week.
Casey Mize (1-2, 3.50 ERA) gets the ball for the Tigers making his second start of the season vs. the Tigers. Mize went 5.0 IP while allowing just 2 hits on April 27th in a 6-5 win over K.C. and has allowed 2 ER or less in four of his last five.
Why the Royals Have Value on Tuesday
Kansas City is hot, as not only have they won four in a row they’ve been on top in 9 of their last 12 overall. The Royals offense has scored 27 total runs during their win streak including 8 on Monday they scratched out 11 hits.
Salvador Perez and Michael Massey both hit HRs to fuel the series opening win and Kansas City stretched the Tigers bullpen after Royals starter Reese Olson lasted just 2.2 IP after suffering a hip injury. Detroit used four relievers in Monday’s game.
Kansas City will turn to Alec Marsh (3-1, 2.43 ERA) as he tries to follow up 7.0 IP from Michael Wacha in Monday’s win. Marsh has allowed just 2ER total in his last four starts and has a 1.84 ERA at home.
Free May 21st Tigers at Royals Betting Pick
Kansas City looks like a trap play, but that’s what we could have thought on Monday too when they were just -104 before breezing to an 8-3 win. This is one of those games that looks too easy which means you usually go the other way, but there’s also great value for a play on the Royals.
Kansas City is 19-8 at home this season and there’s a real energy brewing at Kauffman Stadium. The Tigers went to their bullpen in the third inning on Monday, and with Marsh pitching well for K.C. lately it’s worth taking the bait on the Royals.
Free Pick: Royals -112
