Royals Host Yankees in Game 3 of the ALDS: A Showdown in Missouri
As the American League Division Series (ALDS) heats up, the Kansas City Royals (86-76, 45-36 at home) are set to host the New York Yankees (94-68, 50-31 away) in a pivotal Game 3 on Wednesday night. After a thrilling comeback victory in Game 2, where the Royals rallied from an early deficit to secure a 4-2 win, the series is tied at one game apiece. With first pitch scheduled for 6:08 PM CT/7:08 PM ET at Kauffman Stadium, the stakes couldn’t be higher for both teams.
Game 3 Preview: Pitching Matchup
The spotlight will be on the mound as Clarke Schmidt takes the ball for the Yankees, while Seth Lugo gets the nod for the Royals. Schmidt, a 28-year-old right-hander, has had a solid season but has struggled against the Royals in his brief MLB career. In 51 at-bats against Schmidt, the current Kansas City lineup boasts a .314 batting average and a staggering 1.006 OPS, including four home runs from key players like Adam Frazier, Yuli Gurriel, Michael Massey, and Salvador Perez.
On the flip side, Schmidt’s performance has shown signs of decline as the season progressed. His ERA rose from 2.41 to 2.85 over his last four starts, and he allowed seven runs in his final two outings, despite still racking up strikeouts. This inconsistency could be a concern for the Yankees as they look to regain momentum in the series.
Seth Lugo, on the other hand, has been a reliable option for the Royals. With an impressive 3.00 ERA in his last six starts, Lugo has limited opponents to more than two earned runs only once during that stretch. His performance in the Wild Card round against Baltimore was commendable, allowing just one run over 4.1 innings. Against the Yankees, Lugo has also fared well, holding them to a .229 average and a .631 OPS in 96 at-bats, with only two home runs allowed.
Betting Insights and Predictions
As the series shifts to Kauffman Stadium, the betting landscape reflects the tight competition between these two teams. The Royals are currently favored on the moneyline at -102, while the Yankees sit at -115. The odds suggest a closely contested game, with sportsbooks indicating that the public is leaning heavily towards the Yankees, with 79% of the moneyline handle backing the Pinstripes.
For those considering the total runs, most sportsbooks have set the line at 8.0, with -110 odds on both sides. However, ESPN Bet offers a unique angle with the total set at 7.5, presenting an opportunity for bettors to capitalize on the under at +110.
Key Players to Watch
In this high-stakes matchup, several players could swing the game in their team’s favor. For the Yankees, all eyes will be on their power hitters, including Giancarlo Stanton and Juan Soto, who have both taken Lugo deep in the past. Their ability to connect early could set the tone for the game.
For the Royals, the spotlight shines on their lineup’s ability to capitalize on Schmidt’s vulnerabilities. With players like Salvador Perez and Adam Frazier leading the charge, Kansas City will look to exploit Schmidt’s past struggles and build an early lead.
The Atmosphere at Kauffman Stadium
Kauffman Stadium is known for its vibrant atmosphere, especially during playoff games. The Royals’ fanbase is passionate and will undoubtedly provide a home-field advantage as they cheer on their team in this crucial Game 3. The energy in the ballpark could play a significant role in influencing the players’ performances, particularly for Schmidt, who will need to stay composed in a pressure-packed environment.
Conclusion
With the series tied and both teams eager to gain the upper hand, Game 3 promises to be an exciting clash between the Royals and Yankees. As Clarke Schmidt and Seth Lugo take the mound, fans and bettors alike will be watching closely to see which team can seize the moment and push the other to the brink of elimination. Whether you’re rooting for the Royals or the Yankees, this matchup is sure to deliver drama and excitement as the ALDS unfolds.