Kansas City Royals vs Cleveland Guardians Picks and Predictions June 27th 2024

Guardians Hope to Start New Streak vs. Royals

The Cleveland Guardians, fresh off a seven- game winning streak that was halted by the Baltimore Orioles, will look to regain their winning form as they face the Kansas City Royals in a four- game road series starting Thursday. Despite the recent setback, the Guardians remain in a strong position in the American League Central.

Guardians’ Recent Performance

As of June 8, the Guardians led the second- place Royals by three games in the AL Central. Since then, Cleveland has expanded their lead significantly by winning 10 of their last 15 games, while Kansas City has stumbled to a 5- 12 record. The Guardians’ seven- game winning streak ended with a 4- 2 loss to the Orioles, but they now hold an eight- game lead over the Minnesota Twins and a nine- game lead over the Royals.

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Offensive Leaders Steven Kwan

The Guardians’ offensive resurgence can be largely attributed to leadoff hitter Steven Kwan. Kwan, who reaches base at a.436 clip, has been instrumental in Cleveland’s success. The team has a 33- 19 record with him in the lineup.

Kwan’s Impact

After finishing the 2023 season with an average of4.1 runs per game, the Guardians have boosted their offensive output to5.1 runs per game, the third-highest in the majors. Their low strikeout rate, the third lowest in MLB, has been key to this improvement. Kwan himself has struck out just 16 times in 235 plate appearances.

“ It goes back to routines, no matter what happens the day before, just doing the same thing every day, day in and day out. Sticking to a routine that I trust and just executing. ”

Steven Kwan

Teammates ’ Admiration

Kwan’s consistency and work ethic haven’t gone unnoticed by his teammates.

“ Dude’s a robot, ” said Guardians right- hander Tanner Bibee. “ The guy’s missed three to four weeks and he just comes by and is like hit, hit, hit. ”

Guardians’ Pitching Matchup

Cleveland will send right- hander Ben Lively to the mound on Thursday. Lively, who has a 7- 3 record with a3.03 ERA, has been a reliable starter for the Guardians this season.

Lively’s Performance Against the Royals

Energetic has confronted the Royals once previously, procuring a success notwithstanding surrendering 10 hits in52/3 innings while contributing for the Cincinnati Reds June 2023. He has won six of his last seven beginnings and has permitted multiple runs in only one of his 12 beginnings this season.

Royals’ Struggles and Pitching Matchup

The Royals have faced a difficult stretch, losing 12 of their last 17 games and scoring just 48 runs during this period. They did manage to break out with a five- run eighth inning to secure a 5- 1 victory over the Miami Marlins on Wednesday, taking two out of three games in that series.

Michael Wacha’s Challenge

Kansas City will fight with right- hander Michael Wacha, who holds a 4- 6 record with a4.07 ERA. Wacha has been effective against the Guardians in the past, with a 2- 0 record and a1.02 ERA in three career starts against them. In his last outing against Cleveland, Wacha pitched62/3 scoreless innings for the San Diego Padres in June 2023.

Royals’ Offensive Sparks

Bobby Witt Jr. provided a key spark for the Royals with a triple that ignited their five- run rally against the Marlins. His performance will be crucial as Kansas City looks to improve their offensive consistency.

“ Just trying to spark something, we were maybe in a little– whatever it was, but now we are back playing some ball. Doing our thing. ”

Bobby Witt Jr

Conclusion

As the Guardians begin their series against the Royals, they aim to bounce back from their recent loss and start a new winning streak. With Steven Kwan leading a potent offense and Ben Lively providing stability on the mound, Cleveland looks to solidify their lead in the AL Central. The Royals, meanwhile, will rely on Michael Wacha’s pitching and hope for continued offensive contributions from players like Bobby Witt Jr.