Kevin Erickson
May 27, 2024 5:47 am ET
The Kansas City Royals (34-20) and Minnesota Twins (28-24) open a 4-game series Monday at Target Field. First pitch is scheduled for 2:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’slines around the Royals vs. Twins odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Twins lead 2-1
The Royals suffered a 4-1 loss Sunday at the Tampa Bay Rays, snapping an 8-game winning streak. It was the first time since April 28 that Kansas City was limited to less than 2 runs in a single game.
Despite the loss, Kansas City is still averaging 6.8 runs per game (RPG) in the past 9 outings, which is well above the team’s already impressive 4.9 RPG season average, which ranks 6th in the majors. The Royals are 8th in the majors in both batting average (.252) and OPS (.726), according to Covers.com.
The Twins were also on the short end Sunday, falling 6-2 to the Texas Rangers at Target Field. That snapped a 4-game win streak. The Twins are averaging 4.8 RPG in the past 5 outings, while allowing just 2.6 RPG. The Under is on a 3-0-1 run in the past 4 games for Minnesota.
These teams haven’t met since the first series of the season March 28-31 in Kansas City, with Minnesota winning 2 of 3. The favorite is 2-1 in 3 meetings, with the Under going 2-1, too.
Royals at Twins projected starters
RHP Alec Marsh vs. RHP Joe Ryan
Marsh (4-1, 2.72 ERA) makes his 9th start. He has a 1.07 WHIP, 2.5 BB/9 and 7.5 K/9 in 43 innings.
- Last start: Win, 6 IP, 3 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 5 K in 10-3 home victory vs. Detroit Tigers Tuesday
- 2024 road splits: 2-1, 2.82 ERA (22 1/3 IP, 7 ER), 0.94 WHIP, .193 opponents’ batting average (OBA), 3 HR, 5 BB, 21 K across 4 starts
Ryan (3-3, 3.15 ERA) makes his 11th start. He has a 0.98 WHIP, 1.4 BB/9 and 9.6 K/9 in 60 innings.
- Last start: Win, 7 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 2 BB, 6 K in 10-0 win at Washington Nationals Tuesday
- 2024 home splits: 1-3, 5.02 ERA (28 2/3 IP, 16 ER), 1.05 WHIP, .234 OBA, 4 BB, 31 K in 5 starts
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Royals at Twins odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:45 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Royals +145 (bet $100 to win $145) | Twins -175 (bet $175 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Royals +1.5 (-140) | Twins -1.5 (+115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 8 (O: -115 | U: -105)
Royals at Twins picks and predictions
Prediction
Royals 4, Twins 3
Moneyline
The ROYALS (+145) are a solid play on the road behind Marsh, who has posted some outstanding numbers away from Kauffman Stadium.
The Twins (-175) have been playing well lately, taking 2 of 3 games from the defending champ Rangers, as well as the final 2 games in Washington. However, Minnesota is 0-6 in the past 6 games against winning teams.
Run line/Against the spread
If you’re a little more on the conservative side and can’t play the moneyline, consider ROYALS +1.5 (-140) on the run line as underdogs if you require a little bit of insurance.
The Twins won 2 of 3 in the 1st series of the season against the Royals, but a lot has changed since then. Minnesota can’t beat teams with a winning record, while the Kansas City offense has been on fire.
Over/Under
UNDER 8 (–105) is worth playing lightly in this day game, but go with a half-unit play at best.
Ryan has struggled at home, but he has managed a solid 3.77 ERA in 28 2/3 innings across 5 daytime starts.
Marsh has allowed just 7 ER in 22 1/3 innings on the road this season, limiting the opposition to a .193 average in their own parks. This one has the chance to be an underrated pitcher’s duel.
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