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On the MLB betting board, we have the 40-37 Minnesota Twins versus the 38-39 Kansas City Royals in the first game of a four-game set at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri tonight. The first pitch at Kauffman Stadium is scheduled for 8:15 PM ET.
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The betting odds for the opener list the host Royals as a ML favorite in to -121 to -135 range. The total is offered up at many betting sites at 8.5 runs.
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In their last game the Twins lost to the Boston Red Sox 6-3. In the game the Twins scored three runs on seven hits and the Red Sox scored six runs on 10 hits.
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In their last game the Royals lost to the Detroit Tigers 7-3. In the game the Royals scored three runs seven hits and the Tigers scored seven runs on nine hits.
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This season the Twins rank 23rd in the Majors in runs scored and 24th in team ERA.
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The Royals rank 28th in the Majors in runs scored and 15th in team ERA.
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<h2>
Pitching Match Up<br />
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Minnesota: Ervin Santana (10-4, 2.80 ERA)<br />
Kansas City: Jason Vargas (11-3, 2.29 ERA)
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Ervin Santana goes for the Twins in the opening game of this four-game set and in his last start he had a great one not giving up any earned runs in six innings in a 4-0 win over the Cleveland Indians. While the Twins have won three of his last four starts, including his last two, in his two starts previous to his last one he gave up 11 earned runs in 10 innings. Santana’s first start of the season was against the Royals where he went seven innings and only gave up one run on two hits in a 7-1 Minnesota win. However, the Twins are only 1-7 in Santana’s last eight starts against the Royals and they have lost their last four games facing them in Kansas City with him on the hill. Minnesota has won six of his last seven road starts. Santana ranks tied for 2nd in the AL in wins and 4th in ERA.
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Jason Vargas gets the nod for the Royals and in his last start he gave up two earned runs in seven innings in a 3-2 win over the Toronto Blue Jays. Kansas City has won his last six starts where he has gone 39 innings and given up a total of 10 earned runs. This is Vargas’ first start of the season against the Twins and the Royals are 6-1 in his last seven starts facing them. Vargas leads the AL in wins and in ERA. In 17 career appearances against the Twins he is 6-4 with an ERA of 3.75. The Royals have won 17 of Vargas’ last 22 home starts and they have won 20 of his last 27 starts overall.
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<h2>
Betting Angles<br />
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The Twins are 8-1 in their last 9 games against the Royals.
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The Royals are 9-3 in their last 12 home games against the Twins.
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In the last 9 games between these teams the Over record is 6-2-1.
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This season the Royals are 21-18 at home and the Twins are 24-12 on the road.
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<h2>
Straight Up / Over/Under / Run Line Records<br />
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Minnesota Twins: 40-37 SU / O/U 32-40 / Run Line W/L 40-37<br />
Kansas City Royals: 38-39 SU / O/U 35-38 / Run Line W/L 39-38
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<h2>
Minnesota at Kansas City Key Betting Trends<br />
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MINN is 22-9 in their last 31 road games
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MINN is 1-4 in their last 5 road games vs. a left-handed starter
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MINN has an Under record of 13-3 in their last 16 games
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KC is 12-5 in their last 17 overall
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KC is 4-1 in their last 5 games following a loss
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KC has an Over record of 12-5-1 in their last 18 games
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<h3>
Key Player Injuries<br />
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<b>TWINS</b><br />
[P] 05/28/2017 - Justin Haley 10-day DL (05/28) ( Shoulder )<br />
[P] 06/29/2017 - Craig Breslow 10-day DL (06/28) ( Ribs )<br />
[SS] 06/23/2017 - Ehire Adrianza 10-day DL (06/23) ( Abdominal )<br />
[P] 05/28/2017 - Ryan O'Rourke 60-day DL (03/30) ( Forearm )<br />
[P] 05/21/2017 - Phil Hughes 10-day DL (05/22) ( Bicep )<br />
[P] 03/31/2017 - Glen Perkins 60-day DL (04/02) ( Shoulder )<br />
[P] 03/11/2017 - Trevor May 60-day DL (03/22) ( Elbow )
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<b>ROYALS</b><br />
[RF] 06/02/2017 - Paulo Orlando 60-day DL (06/01) ( Shin )<br />
[P] 05/29/2017 - Danny Duffy 10-day DL (05/29) ( Oblique )<br />
[P] 06/26/2017 - Nathan Karns 60-day DL (05/21) ( Arm )
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