Thursday MLB Baseball Picks: Indians vs Royals
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MLB Betting – Indians vs Royals Preview & Pick
Date: Thursday, April 21, 2011
Venue: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
Broadcast: STO
Cleveland Indians at Kansas City Royals Betting Lines from BetUS.com
Money Line: Indians -1.5 (+145), Royals +1.5 (-165)
Spread: Royals -110
Over/Under: 9
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Cleveland Indians (12-5 through April 19)
Josh Tomlin (3-0, 2.75)
Who knew an Indians/Royals game would be worth writing about, even three weeks into the season? Alas, it is. The Indians in particular have been a massive surprise, going on an improbable 12-2 run up the standings.
Josh Tomlin has been a big part of the surge.
The sophomore isn’t overpowering but he’s undefeated and unhittable, holding opponents to a .176 average this year. Interestingly enough, three of his 15 big-league starts have come against the Royals. Tomlin is 2-1 but with a 5.68 ERA. 
Kansas City Royals (11-6 through April 19)
Sean O’Sullivan (1-1, 5.00)
The Royals are right on the Indians’ heels as the feel-good story of 2011 to date. For all the heat we’ve given them as “busts” over the years, it’s time to raise a glass to Alex Gordon (and Luke Hochevar) for showing signs of blossoming early this season. Gordon is batting .361 with 13 RBI and 15 runs scored already this season.
Will he help provide enough run support for Sean O’Sullivan on Thursday? O’Sullivan has appeared as a starter just once this season but he seems to be taking well to the role.
On April 16, he shut the Seattle Mariners out for five innings.
MLB Trends:
CLE are 20-7 in their last 27 overall.
CLE are 20-7 in their last 27 games on grass.
Under is 5-2-1 in KC last 8 games following a loss.
Over is 7-3-1 in KC last 11 home games.
The pick:
I’m not convinced lightning will strike twice for O’Sullivan. He has a 5.61 lifetime ERA in the majors; he’s simply not very good. The sizzling Indian hitters – like Asdrubal Cabrera and the returning Grady Sizemore – should solve him. Stalwarts like Shin Soo-Choo and Carlos Santana are due to break out for Cleveland, too.
Tomlin hasn’t fared well against the Royals before but he seems like a different pitcher this season.
Keep riding the Tribe!
Indians vs Royals prediction: Indians 5, Royals 3
