Kansas City Royals vs. Chicago Cubs 8/19/23 – Kansas City Royals and Chicago Cubs will face off in an eagerly-anticipated baseball matchup with potential MLB winning picks at Wrigley Field this Saturday, and starting pitchers Brady Singer of the Royals and Justin Steele of the Cubs will likely play an instrumental role in determining its outcome.
Kansas City Royals vs. Chicago Cubs
Date & Time: Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 2:20 PM ET
Location: Wrigley Field
TV: MARQ
Kansas City Royals vs. Chicago Cubs 8/19/23 Betting Odds
| Moneyline | Spread | Total | |
| Royals | +157 | +1.5 (-125) | 9.5 over (-115) |
| Cubs | -190 | -1.5 (+104) | 9.5 under (-105) |
Kansas City Royals Analysis
Royals remain competitive offensively with a batting average of 0.244 and have amassed 494 runs from their performance at the plate, including 120 homers – evidence of their ability to produce key runs when necessary. Their on-base percentage is 0.301, while their slugging percentage at 0.396 stands out as their ability to power deep-hitting hits into scoring opportunities.
Brady Singer is the epitome of potential and perseverance for the Royals’ pitching staff. Boasting an 8-8 record and 4.91 ERA, Singer may not boast flashy stats. Still, his perseverance has made him a reliable linchpin of their pitching rotation over 24 games he pitched in, giving up 138 hits while only permitting 76 runs to cross. Furthermore, with only 13 home runs allowed over that span and 116 strikeouts against 41 walks under his belt as an indicator, Singer remains invaluable as they seek decisive victory against their foes.
Chicago Cubs Analysis
On offense, the Cubs boast an impressive batting average of 0.254 which encapsulates their proficiency at bat. Through tireless efforts, they have amassed 604 runs, including an outstanding 147 homers–proof of their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Their impressive on-base percentage of 0.332 speaks of strategic base running, while their impressive slugging percentage of 0.420 underscores their capacity to drive balls deep into gaps or send them soaring over the outfield walls.
Justin Steele leads the Cubs pitcher’s mound with precision and dominance, boasting an outstanding record of 13 wins to just 3 losses with an ERA of 2.79 over 22 games and 126 innings pitched, giving up just 120 hits and 50 runs while also managing to limit opposing batters’ homer runs with only 10 being allowed; his 120 strikeouts complementing 28 walks demonstrate his ability to not only generate strikeouts but maintain control under pressure as well.
Kansas City Royals vs. Chicago Cubs Against the Spread
Kansas City Royals’ runs scored in recent games have favored them towards higher totals, exceeding the set threshold in four out of their last five matches – suggesting high-scoring affairs from their offense. Furthermore, their record against opponents from the National League bodes well for how well they may fare against Chicago Cubs, as their performance will test their defense and provide plenty of scoring chances against them.
Conversely, the Chicago Cubs have preferred games with low run totals. Six out of their last eight games featured under-limit run totals; this could indicate an emphasis on pitching prowess and defensive strategies; their ability to limit opponent run production could play a critical role in determining outcomes, such as against American League rivals like the Royals.
Kansas City Royals vs. Chicago Cubs Free Pick
Based on the odds, team performances, and trends, our picks are as follows:
Moneyline: Royals +157
The Royals’ recent record against the Cubs and their potential to upset the favorites make them an appealing choice for a moneyline pick.
Spread: Royals +1.5 (-125)
Considering the Royals’ history of close games against the Cubs and their ability to cover the spread, we suggest selecting them with a +1.5 run advantage.
Total: 9.5 over (-115)
The over seems prudent, with both teams exhibiting solid offensive capabilities and a history of high-scoring games.
Prediction: 5-6 Kansas City Royals win
As the Kansas City Royals and Chicago Cubs gear up to meet at Wrigley Field, all is set for an epic baseball battle. Starting pitchers, odds, team performances, and betting trends play into this contest’s excitement. While both teams may boast strengths, baseball’s unpredictable nature keeps fans engaged until its conclusion. If betting on this matchup appeals to you, exploring some of Canada’s top betting sites could provide an enhanced experience.
