Royals vs. Twins Prediction and Odds for Thursday, May 26 (Twins Winning Ways Continue)
By Joe Summers
The Kansas City Royals and Minnesota Twins get a four-game series underway tonight at 7:40 p.m. EST at Target Field.
Minnesota brings a seven-game winning streak into this series and will send Devin Smeltzer to the mound for his third start of the year. He limited the Royals to one run over five innings last week and has a 1.74 ERA through 10.1 innings.
Daniel Lynch gets the nod for Kansas City after giving up four runs in 3.2 innings to the Twins. He gets a chance for revenge but has battled inconsistency, looking dominant at times and lost at others. In his three previous road starts, Lynch has a 2.50 ERA.
Can Lynch continue his steady road play or will the Minnesota keep their winning streak alive?
Let's take a look at the odds from WynnBET Sportsbook as we analyze this Royals vs Twins matchup:
Royals vs Twins Odds, Run Line and Total
Run Line:
- Royals +1.5 (-130)
- Twins -1.5 (+110)
Moneyline:
- Royals: +160
- Twins: -190
Total:
- 7.5 (Over -115/Under -105)
Royals vs Twins Prediction and Pick
Daniel Lynch is a difficult pitcher to figure out. When he's good, he's really good. But when he's bad, he gives up runs by the bunches. Unfortunately for the Royals, the Twins are built to rough him up.
Minnesota has the second-highest OPS against left-handed pitchers in May and just touched Lynch up for four runs in 3.2 innings a few days ago. The Twins outscored Kansas City 36-16 in last week's four-game sweep and should run the score up again this week.
The Royals have the worst bullpen in baseball and have lost six straight. They're lousy offensively and defensively with a terrible pitching staff. Given that their front office has openly stated they're trying to compete this year, I'd say Kansas City is having the worst season in all of MLB.
Devin Smeltzer has looked strong in his first two starts for Minnesota, displaying great command and an ability to limit hard contact. The Royals' lineup has performed better of late, but every time they have a lead it's as if their pitching staff takes it personally. "No matter what, we'll find a way to give the lead back!"
It's insane, and Kansas City repeatedly snatches defeat from the jaws of victory.
As a result, back the Twins on the run line and the over. Minnesota could clear this over by itself with how well it is hitting and has won 13 straight as a home favorite. The Twins will dominate the most pathetic franchise in baseball to make it 14 in-a-row.
Pick: Twins -1.5 (+110) and Over 7.5 (-115)
Follow all of Joe Summers' betting picks here.