Sunday, October 5, 2014

Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

In Game 3 of the ALDS on Sunday night, Los Angeles Angels left-hander C.J. Wilson will face James Shields, who led the the Kansas City Royals in strikeouts this year.

C.J. Wilson had his struggles this season and ended up with his highest ERA since he became a starter in 2010. He went 13-10 in 31 starts for the Angels this season and struck out 7.7 batters per nine innings while walking a league-worst 85 batters in 175.2 innings. He was 3-2 with a 4.76 ERA in his six September starts.

In two starts against the Royals this season, Wilson was 1-0 with a 4.50 ERA and he walked eight batters in 10 innings of work. One Royals player who should be in the lineup on Friday is Josh Willingham, who is 9-for-27 against him with three doubles and three home runs.

Right-hander James Shields continued to be consistent on the mound this season and finished with a 14-8 record with a 3.21 ERA in 34 starts. In 227 innings of work, he struck out 180 batters and he only walked 1.7 batters per nine innings. He was 2-1 in his final three starts of the season with a solid 2.31 ERA.

Shields made one start against the Angels this season and took a no decision after giving up four earned runs in six innings of work. Second baseman Howie Kendrick has 14 hits in 26 at-bats against Shields with four doubles, a triple and a home run.

Los Angeles Angels Betting Trends

Los Angeles Angels are 71-89-4 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Los Angeles Angels is 0.7

Kansas City Royals Betting Trends

Kansas City Royals are 74-83-8 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Kansas City Royals is 0.2

Injuries to Watch

Los Angeles Angels

08/22/14 P Garrett Richards Knee 60-day DL (8/21), out for season
08/01/14 P Tyler Skaggs Forearm 60-day DL (7/31), out for season
05/28/14 P Sean Burnett Elbow 15-day DL (5/29), out for season
05/12/14 3B Ian Stewart Hand 15-day DL (5/11)
04/17/14 P Ryan Brasier Elbow 60-day DL (3/21)
03/30/14 P Brian Moran Elbow 60-day DL (3/21)

Kansas City Royals

10/03/14 P Kelvin Herrera Forearm out indefinitely
08/14/14 P Scott Downs Neck 15-day DL (8/3)
03/30/14 P Luke Hochevar Elbow 60-day DL (3/21)

Josh's Pick: Take Los Angeles

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