It has been nearly four years since the Washington Nationals (21-29) faced the Kansas City Royals (15-36). The last time these teams met in Kansas City before this weekend was early in May 2016. Well, Washington is finally back in Missouri's AL park for this clash between last-place teams. Kauffman Stadium is set to host these clubs for the first of three games. The first pitch is scheduled for 8:10 p.m. EDT, and Kansas City is supposed to be sunny when this game begins.
A National Rally Doesn't Work
Washington scored five runs in the seventh inning on Thursday afternoon, turning a 5-1 deficit into a 6-5 lead. In the end, it didn't matter, as they coughed up a three-run blast in the ninth and lost the game. A win would've been the fourth in their last five games, as the bats in D.C. have woken up lately. They averaged 5.3 runs per game during the six-game homestand and left the nation's capital fifth in batting average as a team. The Nationals also have the lowest strikeout rate in the league. The runs haven't followed, as they're only 24th in runs per game due to a lack of power and walks. Washington is 28th in walk rate, 29th in homers, and also only 26th in stolen bases. There's plenty to like about this lineup, but they still have work to do.
🗣5
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) May 25, 2023
🗣RUN
🗣COMEBACK INNING pic.twitter.com/r3gFjOwJSs
Well, the Nationals bullpen blew Thursday's game, something that Nationals supporters are probably used to at this point. It'll be Patrick Corbin's job to not offer them a chance to blow this one. 2022's worst pitcher has bounced from a terrible start to this season. In four starts this month, Corbin has pitched at least 6.0 innings each time and owns a 2.88 ERA. He's only issued one walk in 25.0 innings this May. This would've sounded like a joke in April, but Patrick Corbin can realistically minimize the relievers' workload in this contest.
The Kansas City Come Down
The Royals began May on fire offensively, looking as if they may be figuring things out. Well, the high has worn off, as they've only averaged 2.6 runs per game during their last six. On the season, they're 26th in runs per game, even with Salvador Perez, Vinnie Pasquantino, and Nick Pratto putting together fine seasons. No team gets on base less frequently than the Royals, and only a handful strike out at a higher rate. Kansas City's batting average and slugging percentage are both also bottom-five in baseball. Their offense has been pretty offensive in 2023.
Pitching hasn't been any better, as only a historically awful season from Oakland's staff is keeping the Royals from the worst team ERA in the majors. Kansas City's staff is bottom-five in BAA, walk rate, and WHIP right now. They're not great at preventing homers either. Jordan Lyles will get the call to start, bringing a 7.15 ERA with him onto the mound. The Royals have lost all 10 of his starts, and only one of those losses was by one run. There isn't a pitcher in the league that's allowed more long balls.
Best Bets for this Game
Full-Game Side Bet
Insiders Status:
Kansas City's Jordan Lyles has allowed at least four runs in nine consecutive starts, going up against an offense that's swinging hot bats. Along with that, the Royals have an awful bullpen going against a Nationals team that can string together hits. On the other side, Patrick Corbin has been turning in quality starts all month. Corbin's assignment is an offense that is one of the worst in the majors. If Washington's bullpen can hold, this game is theirs to lose.
Full-Game Total Pick
Insiders Status:
Jordan Lyles has allowed at least four runs in 90% of his 2023 starts. Patrick Corbin has allowed at least two in all of his starts this season, and we've seen that he can be alarmingly ineffective, even if it doesn't apply this month. These teams have two of the worst non-Oakland bullpens in the majors, and neither should be expected to turn in clean outings. Roll with the over, even with two offenses that aren't great at scoring.