The Royals and Guardians play the second game of their three-game series on Tuesday, April 7.
Cleveland is a -118 moneyline favorite, while Kansas City is -102 on DraftKings Sportsbook. The game total is set at over/under seven runs.
Let’s get into a pick and prediction for this Royals vs. Guardians game.
Royals vs. Guardians prediction, preview
The Royals and Guardians will be very familiar with each other by the season’s conclusion. While it’s still just April, all division games matter, especially in the AL Central, which is typically a division with only one playoff team. When October comes, these April games may be the difference between an early vacation and postseason baseball.
Gavin Williams gets the start for Cleveland. He struggled in his first start against the Mariners, allowing three earned runs, two hits and six walks across five innings. His second start was much better—seven shutout innings with two hits, three walks and 10 strikeouts against the Dodgers. Williams will need to work on his control as nine walks is tied for second most in the majors.
Noah Cameron has only made one star for the Royals this year, but it was a positive one. He struck out five across five innings, while allowing four hits, one earned run and one walk. Of 20 batters faced, he allowed nine fly balls. Luckily for him, Cleveland’s ballpark isn’t known for its home runs.
Additionally, the Guardians haven’t shown much pop in their lineup this season outside of rookie Chase DeLauter.
Royals vs. Guardians Pick, Best Bet
Who doesn’t love an even division match? There’s more weight to these games as it could be the difference in October. Every game matters; don’t sleep on April’s first few series.
The Guardians have the better pitcher with Williams starting. Cleveland is only a -118 favorite despite being at home and with Williams on the mound. Sign me up.