Friday, July 18, 7:10 PM on FSKC, NESN

Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts

Kansas City Royals - Shields, J (9-5) vs. Boston Red Sox - Buchholz, C (4-5)

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

On Friday night, James Shields will attempt to win his 10th game of the year when he and the Kansas City Royals face Clay Buchholz and the Boston Red Sox.

James Shields pitched well against the Detroit Tigers in his last outing, but he didn't get much help from his offense and ended up losing his fifth game of the season. He went seven innings in that start and gave up just two runs on seven hits while striking out eight batters and walking no one. Shields now has a 9-5 record on the year and he has only walked 27 batters in 130.2 innings of work.

Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz has a .316 batting average in 57 at-bats against Shields with nine doubles, three home runs and 16 RBI. Mike Napoli is just 4-for-22 against him with 10 strikeouts.

Clay Buchholz had easily his best start of the year last Sunday when he pitched a shutout against the Houston Astros on the road. In those nine innings, he gave up just three hits and struck out a season-high 12 batters while walking zero. Buchholz has not had a very good season this year, but that outing might set him up for a good second half.

Royals designated hitter Billy Butler has just two hits in his 12 at-bats versus Buchholz, while outfielder Alex Gordon is 4-for-8 against him with a double and a home run.

Kansas City Royals Betting Trends

Kansas City Royals are 44-45-5 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Kansas City Royals is 0

Boston Red Sox Betting Trends

Boston Red Sox are 38-54-3 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Boston Red Sox is -0.4

Injuries to Watch

Kansas City Royals

07/13/14 CF Lorenzo Cain Leg questionable
07/11/14 LF Alex Gordon Wrist out indefinitely
07/09/14 P Jason Vargas Appendix 15-day DL (7/9)
03/30/14 P Luke Hochevar Elbow 60-day DL (3/21)

Boston Red Sox

05/31/14 1B Ryan Lavarnway Wrist 60-day DL (5/30)
05/24/14 RF Shane Victorino Hamstring 15-day DL (5/24)
05/17/14 3B Will Middlebrooks Finger 15-day DL (5/16)

Guy's Pick: Take Kansas City

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