Kansas City Royals
New York Yankees
As the New York Yankees gear up to host the Kansas City Royals on October 12, 2024, the stakes are high with this matchup in the American League Division Series. Playing at Yankee Stadium, the Yankees have the advantage of home turf as they showcase their offensive prowess, ranking 2nd in MLB in team home runs. Meanwhile, the Royals have shown consistency with a respectable 10th-ranked team batting average, according to THE BAT X, the leading MLB projection system.
On the mound, the Yankees are set to start southpaw Zack Britton, while the Royals will counter with right-hander Wade Davis. Britton’s left-handed delivery could pose a challenge to the Royals’ lineup, which has struggled with power, ranking 20th in home runs. Nevertheless, Kansas City’s offense has proven to be versatile with an average ranking in stolen bases, adding an element of speed to their game.
The Yankees’ offense, on the other hand, presents an intimidating threat with its power, though they lag behind in stolen bases at 22nd. This power imbalance suggests a potential mismatch, especially if the Yankees can capitalize on Davis’s pitching style. It’s worth noting that Davis, despite being a seasoned pitcher, must navigate a Yankees lineup known for its slugging ability.
The Yankees’ recent series performance sets the stage for an intriguing battle, as this is the pivotal fifth game against the Royals. With playoff implications on the line, New York will aim to leverage their high-octane offense and Britton’s pitching to secure a victory at home. Meanwhile, Kansas City will look to upset the Yankees’ plans by exploiting any weaknesses and relying on their consistent batting average to stay competitive.