Indians at Royals 9/27/18 - MLB Picks & Predictions

The Cleveland Indians open a four-game series on the road to end the regular season against the Kansas City Royals on Thursday. Cleveland was victorious on Tuesday 5-4 over the Chicago White Sox as Trevor Bauer continued to prepare for the postseason with four strong innings on the mound and Cleveland rallied from a two-run deficit in the ninth inning to beat the Chisox.

Kansas City defeated the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday 4-3 as Hunter Dozier led the ninth inning off with a home run that broke a tie and lifted the Royals to victory. Kansas City has won two straight and three of its last four. The Royals complete the interleague series with the Reds on Wednesday. Michael Brantley leads the Indians with a .309 batting average. Francisco Lindor leads the team in hits with 178. Jose Ramirez leads the Indians in home runs with 38 and RBIs with 104. Cleveland has a team batting average of .257, while opposing hitters are averaging .242 at the plate against Indians pitching. On Thursday, the Indians will send Josh Tomlin to the mound. The right-hander this season is 2-5 with an ERA of 6.44, 41 Ks and 12 BBs.

Whit Merrifield leads the Royals with a .304 batting average and a team high 185 hits. Salvador Perez is the team leader in home runs with 27 and RBIs with 77. Kansas City has a team batting average of .245 while opposing hitters are averaging .276 at the plate against Royals pitching. On Thursday, the Royals will send Jorge Lopez to the mound. The right-hander this season is 2-5 with an ERA of 5.03, 38 Ks and 22 BBs.