The Toronto Blue Jays (3-3) have taken the last two games against the Kansas City Royals (1-5). But Kansas City can still salvage a series split with a win today.
Toronto’s pitching has buckled down after allowing 31 runs in their first four games. The Blue Jays allowed only one total run in the last two, both of which were wins. With their power slowly creeping back, are they poised for a lengthy winning streak?
Meanwhile, Kansas City couldn’t maintain momentum from their nine-run outburst in the first game of this series, their only win this season. Their pitching has been solid, but it’s impossible to win without scoring. The Royals should be desperate for a win here because they’re set to hit the road after this.
Toronto can make it three straight, while the Royals can earn a much-needed second victory. Let’s see what Blue Jays vs. Royals has in store this afternoon.
Blue Jays vs. Royals: Match Details
Fixture: Toronto Blue Jays @ Kansas City Royals
Date and Time: Thursday, April 6, 2023, 2:10 p.m. EST
Venue: Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri
Blue Jays vs. Royals: Betting Odds
| Team | Run Line | Total | Money Line |
| Blue Jays | -1.5 (-130) | Over 8.0 (-115) | -215 |
| Royals | +1.5 (+110) | Under 8.0 (-105) | +185 |
Blue Jays vs. Royals: Starting Pitchers
Kevin Gausman will get his second start of the season today after taking the loss in his first game. He allowed three runs, but none of them were earned. Gausman started one game against the Royals last season, allowing two runs in 6.0 innings. He took a loss in that one.
Jordan Lyles’ second start as a Royal will come this afternoon after allowing one earned run in 5.1 innings on April 1. Last season he was in the same division as the Blue Jays and started three games against them. He went 2-1, but his ERA was 5.63, and he allowed five home runs.
Blue Jays vs. Royals: Key Stats
Toronto only has three homers so far this season, but they’ve knocked one out of the park in their last three games. Matt Chapman has faced Jordan Lyles 21 times and has nine hits, five of which left the yard. Whit Merrifield is 6-16 lifetime against Lyles, and Brandon Belt is 6-18.
No team has fewer hits or runs than the Kansas City Royals. Their team batting average is .155 (30th), their team slugging percentage is .265 (30th), and their team on-base percentage is .254 (29th). Kansas City has only hit four long balls this season. Their pitching staff has allowed the 25th most hits but is 11th in team ERA.
Blue Jays vs. Royals: Betting Prediction
Pitting Jordan Lyles against the Blue Jays again seems cruel, especially when his run support figures are nonexistent this year. If the Blue Jays find any of the success against Lyles that they had last season, Toronto should get some runs up early. Kevin Gausman is a solid starter that’s given Toronto an excellent opportunity to win in most of his starts with the team. Against an offense that isn’t hitting well right now, he should be able to hand the ball to the bullpen with no runs on the board. This game should be all Toronto all the way.
