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Every game counts for the Royals right now, as they are trying to fend off the likes of the Red Sox and Mariners for the final wild card spot in the AL. KC defended their spot well on Friday night, winning the series opener in Cincinnati 7-1. The Reds had won four in a row prior to Friday’s defeat, but oddsmakers are not deterred by the loss making Cincinnati the favorite once again for game two of the weekend series.

Before Betting on August 17 Royals vs Reds

Kansas City isn’t making a move either way so far this month, going 6-6 in August which has been good enough to hold onto the final postseason spot in the American League. Friday night was a solid performance offensively and defensively for the Royals, with Bobby Witt, Jr. hitting his 25th home run of the season while Michael Lorenzen threw 5.2 IP of 2 hit ball against his former team.

The Royals will try to clinch the series win on Saturday behind Michael Wacha (9-6, 3.50 ERA) who has plenty of experience against the Reds from his seven seasons pitching with St. Louis. KC has won seven of Wacha’s last 8 starts and he’s been solid to begin August with 4 ER allowed over 13.0 IP (2.77 ERA).

The Reds send lefty Nick Lodolo (9-4, 3.99 ERA) to the hill on Saturday night as he tries to rebound from 8 ER allowed in his last home start at the end of July. That outing against Chicago has bumped Lodolo’s ERA at the Great American Ballpark up to 4.99 compared to 3.05 at home.

Kansas City vs Cincinnati Offshore Betting Odds

Offshore Sportsbook Moneyline Total Point Spread
BetOnline ROYALS (2.10) | REDS (1.83) 9 ROYALS +1.5 (1.56) | REDS -1.5 (2.60)
MyBookie ROYALS (2.09) | REDS (1.78) 9 ROYALS +1.5 (1.56) | REDS -1.5 (2.50)
       
SportsBetting.ag ROYALS (2.10) | REDS (1.83) 9 ROYALS +1.5 (1.56) | REDS -1.5 (2.60)
XBet ROYALS (2.09) | REDS (1.78) 9 ROYALS +1.5 (1.56) | REDS -1.5 (2.50)

August 17 Royals vs Reds Prediction & Pick

Witt, Jr. is on fire – as he’s been all season – and Wacha has thrown the ball well in 2024. Hard to go against the Royals at plus money here considering they’ve got much more to play for as they sit in the third wild card spot in the AL. 

Pick: Royals ML

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