Kansas City Royals at Chicago Cubs 8/20/21 - MLB Picks & Predictions

The Kansas City Royals open a three-game interleague series on the road Friday against the Chicago Cubs. Kansas City is 52-67 following a 3-2 victory over the Houston Astros on Wednesday. Hunter Dozier’s two-run homer in the seventh inning was the difference for Kansas City. The Royals have won three straight but Kansas City is last in the American League Central 18 games behind first-place Chicago.

Nicky Lopez is batting .277 to lead Kansas City and the second baseman has a team high .347 on-base percentage. Catcher Salvador Perez is the leader in home runs with 30 and RBIs with 77, while right fielder Whit Merrifield has the lead in hits with 130. On Friday, Kansas City will send Brad Keller to the mound. The right-hander is 7-12 with an ERA of 5.62, 109 Ks and 59 BBs.

Chicago improved to 54-69 following a 7-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday. Michael Hermosillo, Sergio Alcantara and Ian Happ all hit home runs for the Cubs in the victory. The Cubs have won two straight after losing 12 in a row. Chicago is fourth in the National League Central 21 games behind the first-place Milwaukee Brewers.

Willson Contreras is batting .226 to lead Chicago and the Cubs catcher has team highs in home runs with 17, RBIs with 40, hits with 78 and on-base percentage at .333. Chicago has hit 153 home runs in 123 games. On Friday, the Chicago Cubs will send Zach Davies to the mound. The right-hander is 6-9 with an ERA of 5.00, 91 Ks and 62 BBs.