La Dodgers Dodgers vs Kansas City Royals Picks and Predictions June 15th 2024

Royals Turn to Seth Lugo in Bid to Even Series vs. Dodgers

In his nine-season career, Kansas City Royals right-hander Seth Lugo is aiming for his first milestone 10th win as he faces off against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday. The Royals are looking to recover from a close loss in the first game of the series and get back on track.

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Seth Lugo’s Season and Recent Performance

Current Season Overview

Seth Lugo( 9- 2,2.36 ERA) has been a bright spot for the Royals this season, delivering consistent performances on the mound. However, he’s coming off a rare defeat in 2024, allowing four runs over seven innings against the New York Yankees on Monday. This loss ended his eight- game winning streak and marked only the third time this season that Lugo has given up more than two earned runs in a game.

Last Outing Insights

In his recent outing, Lugo allowed eight hits and hit two batters, a season high. Reflecting on the game, Lugo said,” I suppose it’s a matter of game plan, just try to mix it up just a little bit more. Overall, I allowed I threw the ball well, and I will tip my hat to some good approaches over there.”

Career Stats Against Dodgers

Lugo will be facing the Dodgers for the 13th time in his career, with two former starts against them. He has a 2- 2 record with a6.30 ERA in these matchups, suggesting mixed results historically against Los Angeles.

Royals’ Recent Form and Injury Update

Recent Game Recap

The Royals snapped a four- game losing streak with a comeback victory over the Yankees on Thursday but were unfit to carry that momentum into Friday’s game, losing 4- 3 to the Dodgers after squandering a three- run lead.

Key Player Performance

Veteran catcher Salvador Perez hit a 437- foot home run, his longest of the season, before being removed in the ninth inning with an apparent left hand injury. His status will be nearly covered as the series progresses.

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Dodgers’ Pitching and Recent Performance

Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s Season and Recent Performance

The Dodgers will counter with right- hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto( 6- 2,3.00 ERA), who’ll start on Saturday with an extra two days of rest. Firstly listed to pitch against the Texas Rangers on Thursday, Yamamoto is being given ample recovery time, which could bolster his performance. His last start was a dominant outing against the Yankees on June 7, where he allowed just two hits over seven scoreless innings, contributing to a 2- 1 win in 11 innings.

Career Stats and First Meeting with Royals

Yamamoto has yet to face the Royals in his career, adding an element of unpredictability to the matchup. His recent form and extended rest could make him a redoubtable opponent.

Dodgers’ Offensive Highlights

Recent Game Recap

In Friday’s game, the Dodgers did not take the lead until the bottom of the eighth inning when Freddie Freeman singled to score Mookie Betts. The bottom of the order played a pivotal role, with Miguel Rojas and Chris Taylor hitting home runs in the fifth inning to tie the score at 3- 3.

Crucial Player Contributions

Miguel Rojas Hit his third home run of the season and first since April 3.
Chris Taylor Hit his first home run of the year despite floundering with a.100 batting average entering the game.

Team Perspective

Following successive losses to the Texas Rangers, the win against the Royals was seen as critical.” Every time we lose a series, we’re looking to bounce back every single time,” Rojas said.” It’s each about winning series and that is what we need to do in October as well. We take pride in winning series.”

Conclusion

Saturday’s game between the Kansas City Royals and the Los Angeles Dodgers presents a pivotal opportunity for both teams. Seth Lugo will aim to secure his milestone 10th win and help the Royals indeed the series, while Yoshinobu Yamamoto looks to continue his strong season and keep the Dodgers on their winning path. The performances of crucial players like Salvador Perez and Freddie Freeman, along with the strategies employed by both managers, will be vital in determining the outgrowth of this important matchup.

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