The New York Yankees and Kansas City Royals are set to clash in game four of their best-of-five American League Division Series at Kauffman Stadium on Thursday night. Following a tough 4-1 loss in game two, the Yankees regained momentum with a strong performance in game three. With the series now at 2-1 in favor of New York, they aim to clinch the series and advance further. The pitching duel will feature Yankees’ ace Gerrit Cole (8-5, 3.41 ERA) facing off against Royals’ right-hander Michael Wacha (13-8, 3.35 ERA). Both pitchers were involved in the first game’s outcome, which saw the Yankees edge the Royals 6-5. The first pitch is slated for 8:08 PM EST.
Gerrit Cole Steps Up for the Yankees
The New York Yankees continue their pursuit of a World Series championship as they prepare to face the Kansas City Royals in a crucial game four. The Yankees captured the opening match of the series in a tightly contested 6-5 battle, showcasing their resilience. However, they fell short in game two, losing 4-2 when the Royals rallied with four runs in the fourth inning. In game three, it was Giancarlo Stanton who led the charge, delivering a home run and two RBIs in a 3-2 victory that featured stellar bullpen performance. With the series now leaning in their favor, the Yankees are looking to Gerrit Cole to help seal the deal in game four.
In his previous outing, Cole pitched five innings, allowing seven hits and four runs while striking out four batters. His road performance this season has been impressive, as he holds a 5-3 record with a 2.49 ERA in eight away starts. With 51 strikeouts over 47 innings, Cole’s ability to keep opposing hitters at bay will be pivotal in this matchup. The Yankees are counting on him to navigate the Royals’ lineup effectively and push them one step closer to victory.
Royals Rely on Home Advantage with Wacha
Returning to the postseason for the first time since 2015, the Kansas City Royals have shown promise in their playoff journey. They impressively swept the favored Baltimore Orioles in the opening round. However, the ALDS series against the Yankees has proven to be a challenge, as the Royals split the first two games in New York before faltering in game three at home. Their offense struggled, managing only six hits, and their pitching staff faced difficulties, issuing nine walks.
In game four, the Royals will look to Michael Wacha, who started the series opener. Wacha lasted 4.1 innings in that game, allowing four hits and three runs while grappling with control issues. The Royals need him to regain his form at Kauffman Stadium, where he ended the regular season with a solid 7-3 home record and a 2.89 ERA over 14 starts. His ability to command the game will be crucial for Kansas City as they fight to extend the series and keep their playoff hopes alive.
Analyzing the Best Bets for Yankees vs. Royals
With the Royals facing elimination, the Yankees are poised to capitalize on their advantage. New York has demonstrated a patient approach at the plate, forcing Kansas City pitchers into deep counts and accumulating over 20 walks in the series thus far. The Royals are struggling to keep their starters in the game, which puts additional pressure on their bullpen. The Yankees are expected to leverage their timely hitting and aggressive offensive strategy to secure a win in game four. Gerrit Cole’s consistency on the road adds another layer of confidence for New York, as he aims to push the Royals to the brink of elimination.
