Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City

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On Wednesday night, veteran starter Jake Peavy will make the start for the San Francisco Giants when they take on hard-throwing right-hander Yordano Ventura Kansas City Royals in Game 2 of the World Series.

Jake Peavy made his second start of this postseason in Game 2 of the NLCS against the St. Louis Cardinals. In that game, he gave up two runs in four innings of work and took a no decision. He has now pitched 9.2 innings this postseason and has struck out five batters in 9.2 innings while walking six.

Peavy did not get a chance to face the Royals during the regular season this year. Designated hitter Billy Butler has 14 hits in 33 at-bats against Peavy in his career with a double, three home runs and eight RBI. Veteran slugger Josh Willingham is just 2-for-21 against him in his career with a double and six strikeouts.

Yordano Ventura made his last start in Game 2 of the ALCS against the Baltimore Orioles and finished with a no decision. He gave up five runs on 5.2 innings that day while walking three and striking out three. He now has a 4.85 ERA in 13 innings of work this postseason.

What could be a huge advantage for Ventura is that none of the Giants have faced him in their careers. During the regular season, right-handed batters hit .250 against the right-hander with a .705 OPS, while right-handed hitters hit .232 with a .642 OPS.

San Francisco Giants Betting Trends

San Francisco Giants are 81-81-10 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for San Francisco Giants is 0.4

Kansas City Royals Betting Trends

Kansas City Royals are 77-85-8 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Kansas City Royals is 0.3

Injuries to Watch

San Francisco Giants

09/20/14 CF Angel Pagan Back out for season
08/05/14 P Matt Cain Elbow 15-day DL (7/11), out for season
07/26/14 C Hector Sanchez Concussion 60-day DL (8/10)
07/26/14 2B Marco Scutaro Back 60-day DL (7/25)

Kansas City Royals

10/12/14 P Yordano Ventura Shoulder is upgraded to expected to start Wednesday vs. San Francisco Giants
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 Kansas City

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