Royals vs Red Sox predictions
Looking at the Kansas City Royals as they roll into Fenway, some key names immediately jump out for anyone tracking the stat sheets. Maikel Garcia has quietly put together a very solid season at the plate, and I can see him continuing to put up quality at-bats—expect at least a hit, and there’s a strong chance he swipes a bag if he gets on. Salvador Perez, the veteran presence behind the dish, remains a power threat; I wouldn’t be surprised if he leaves the yard or at least drives in a run or two tonight, given his knack for timely RBIs. Vinnie Pasquantino has shown flashes of clutch ability all year, so keep an eye on him coming through with runners in scoring position, maybe picking up a couple of hits and an RBI. With Ryan Bergert on the mound, the Royals will hope he can get through five-plus innings and keep the home crowd quiet, but Fenway isn’t always forgiving to visiting pitchers.
Switching over to the Boston side, it’s hard to ignore the hot streak the Red Sox have been riding, especially at home. Ceddanne Rafaela has put together a strong stretch lately and seems primed to get on base a couple of times—don’t rule out a double and maybe even a stolen base. Wilyer Abreu has emerged as a legit threat in the middle of the lineup; I’m expecting him to flash some extra-base power tonight, with a homer or at least a run-scoring double on the horizon. Then there’s Trevor Story—he’s been clutch with runners aboard and could easily drive in another run or two the way he’s seeing the ball. On the pitching front, Garrett Crochet has been dealing, and I think he gives the Sox five or six strong innings with 6+ strikeouts, keeping Royals hitters off balance most of the night.
All things considered, it’s tough to pick against Boston at Fenway Park right now—especially when you see that six-game home win streak glimmering in the background. The Red Sox have the offensive firepower and a pitching edge with Crochet toeing the rubber, so I think they’ll keep the good times rolling, adding another tally to their win column. The Royals have shown some fight this season, but this matchup just feels like another Boston night, full of fireworks and hopeful fans singing “Sweet Caroline” by game’s end.
