Kansas City Royals vs. Chicago Cubs 8-20-23 MLB Odds, Analysis, and Prediction

Kansas City Royals vs. Chicago Cubs 8/20/23 – As excitement builds ahead of an exhilarating baseball betting picks matchup on August 20, 2023, at Wrigley Field between the Kansas City Royals and Chicago Cubs, all eyes will turn toward that date to watch this exciting battle on the diamond between starting pitchers Jordan Lyles and Kyle Hendricks taking their places on opposing mounds.

Kansas City Royals vs. Chicago Cubs

Date & Time: Sunday, August 20, 2023 at 2:20 PM ET

Location: Wrigley Field

TV: MARQ

Kansas City Royals vs. Chicago Cubs 8/20/23 Betting Odds

MoneylineSpreadTotal
Royals+188+1.5 (-108)8.5 over (-110)
Cubs-208-1.5 (-115)8.5 under (-110)

Kansas City Royals Analysis

Kansas City Royals’ offensive arsenal has made an impressionable statement this season, with an average team batting average of 0.244 displaying consistent at-bat performance and amassing an impressive 498 run total to demonstrate their ability to contend. What truly stands out is their power – with an on-base percentage of 0.300 and a slugging percentage of 0.395 as powerful indicators of this ability to get on base and create scoring opportunities effectively. At the same time, their power is also being demonstrated through extra-base hits that drive in runs effectively.

Starting pitcher Jordan Lyles presents both difficulties and opportunities on the mound. While his win-loss record stands at 3-13, which indicates difficulty winning games, his 6.3 earned run average indicates strength against difficulty. His WHIP of 1.3 indicates a degree of control over the bases, yet his 28 home runs allowed in 131.1 innings pitched attests to his susceptibility to long balls. Furthermore, Lyles has allowed 135 hits that have produced 98 runs from his performance. Lyles’ command on the mound can be seen through his 36 walks allowed and his ability to generate strikeouts, having amassed 91 in 23 starts. Lyles faces an uphill task of maintaining control while minimizing home runs.

Chicago Cubs Analysis

Chicago Cubs enter the fray with an offensive unit that demands respect. Boasting a team batting average of 0.255 and boasting 607 runs scored, their consistency at the plate has been instrumental to their success. Their proclivity for homers – they launched 147 this season alone – and on-base percentage (0.332) demonstrate their ability to get runners on base. In contrast, their slugging percentage (0.419) emphasizes their prowess at hitting extra bases and producing runs efficiently.

Kyle Hendricks has been an anchor on the Chicago Cubs starting pitcher. Although he holds only a 4-6 win-loss record, Hendricks has maintained an ERA of just under four, signifying an overall steady performance on the mound. Hendricks boasts an outstanding 1.15 WHIP to demonstrate his command over the bases and has limited walks and hits through 16 walks allowed with 61 strikeouts over 92.1 innings pitched. Over that period, he has allowed 90 hits that have led to 48 runs scored (41 earned). His 11 home runs allowed demonstrate Hendricks’s vulnerability to long balls, suggesting opponents can exploit his pitches if they make solid contact. Control on the mound will likely play an integral role in stemming the Royals’ offensive onslaught.

Kansas City Royals vs. Chicago Cubs Against the Spread

Kansas City Royals games tend to exceed their set total, as evidenced by 5 of their last 6 going over. Their recent results are mixed, winning only one out of their last five contests against Chicago Cubs; however, they boast an impressive record of five victories out of six encounters against them.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs have seen six out of their last nine games go under, with totals going under in six of those nine contests. Their home record stands out well; 10 wins out of 14 home games against Royals has seen them prevail at home; however, they have only managed one victory out of those five meetings at home against them.

Kansas City Royals vs. Chicago Cubs Free Pick

The following predictions are made based on the odds and team performances:

Moneyline: Cubs -208

Reason: The Cubs have shown greater consistency and a better home record, making them the preferred choice in terms of the moneyline.

Spread: Cubs -1.5 (-115)

Reason: With the potential for a higher-scoring game and the Cubs’ offensive prowess, they are likely to cover the spread.

Total: 8.5 over (-110)

Reason: Both teams exhibit a propensity for hitting and scoring runs, indicating the potential for the total runs scored to surpass the set line.

Prediction: 4-6 Chicago Cubs win

The clash between the Kansas City Royals and the Chicago Cubs in Canadian online betting promises an exciting showdown at Wrigley Field. As the teams showcase their offensive firepower and starting pitchers take center stage, fans can expect a competitive encounter. While the Royals bring historical success against the Cubs, recent form and home advantage tilt the scales in favor of Chicago. With odds, trends, and team performances analyzed, the Cubs stand as the likely victors in what could be a high-scoring affair. Baseball enthusiasts can eagerly await a thrilling game where offense and pitching prowess will shape the outcome.