Chicago Cubs vs. Kansas City Royals Pick & Prediction JULY 28th 2024
Preview and Prediction
The Kansas City Royals aim to finish a successful homestand on Sunday as they face the Chicago Cubs in the final game of their three-game series.
After the All-Star break, the Royals won five out of their first seven games thanks to strong starting pitching and timely hitting. However, they suffered a 9-4 loss to the Cubs on Saturday.
Three of Kansas City's starting pitchers are among the top 15 in ERA in the American League, including Cole Ragans who is scheduled to start on Sunday. Ragans has a record of 7-6 and an ERA of 3.23.
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In his career, Ragans has faced the Cubs three times, starting once, and has a record of 1-0 with a 3.24 ERA. In his last outing against the Cubs on August 18, 2023, he allowed three runs on eight hits and struck out nine in a 4-3 victory.
Ragans has won his last two starts, most recently giving up three runs on six hits in six innings in a 10-4 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday.
On the offensive side, Adam Frazier has been a key contributor for the Royals with timely hits, including a two-run bloop single in Friday's 6-0 win.
"I'm just trying to make solid contact and get on base for Bobby (Witt Jr.)," Frazier said. "If I can do that, it will really help our offense."
Frazier has reached base in seven out of his last 10 starts since July 10 and recorded his first multi-RBI game since May 10 in Friday's win.
Hunter Renfroe has also been a strong offensive force for the Royals, with eight RBIs in eight games since the All-Star break.
Renfroe has improved his performance by adopting a steady batting stance, which has helped him maintain consistency at the plate.
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"He's been pretty solid for us for a while now," said Royals manager Matt Quatraro.
Renfroe himself attributes his success to his steady approach at the plate, saying, "I'm just trying to stay still and keep my head steady. This has been working for me, so I'll continue to do it and focus on swinging at strikes."
The Cubs, who are looking for their first series win since July 9-11, will send right-hander Javier Assad to the mound for his first career start against the Royals. Assad has a record of 4-3 and an ERA of 3.15.
In his last start against the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday, Assad struggled with control, walking six batters in just 3 1/3 innings. However, he did not factor in the decision as the Cubs went on to win 3-1. Assad has not recorded a win in his last nine starts since May 15.
In a trade prior to Saturday's game, the Cubs acquired right-hander Nate Pearson from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for prospects Yohendrick Pinango and Josh Rivera.
Pearson has a record of 7-4 and an ERA of 5.21 in four seasons with the Blue Jays, primarily as a reliever. Cubs manager Craig Counsell expressed excitement about the addition of Pearson to the team.
"We're thrilled to add such a talented arm to our roster," said Counsell. "We can't wait to start working with him and see what he can do for us."
It is unclear what role Pearson will play with the Cubs, but Counsell believes he has the potential to be a valuable asset to the team.
"He'll be a key contributor for us," said Counsell. "He's still developing at the major league level, but we see a lot of potential in him and we're excited to have him on our team."
Chicago Cubs vs. Kansas City Royals Recap JUL 28TH 2024
David Bote and Pete Crow-Armstrong delivered two-out RBI hits as the Chicago Cubs rallied past the host Kansas City Royals 7-3 in Sunday's rubber game.
Trailing 3-2 with two outs in the sixth, Bote doubled to the right field wall, scoring Michael Busch to tie the game. He then scored on Crow-Armstrong's ground-ball single into right for a 4-3 lead.
Javier Assad (5-3) matched a season high by pitching six innings, allowing three runs on five hits and a walk. He had five strikeouts and collected his first win since May 15.
Three Cubs relievers shut out the Royals over three hitless innings for Chicago's first series win since sweeping the Baltimore Orioles July 9-11.
Royals starter Cole Ragans (7-7) allowed four runs on eight hits and a walk in 5 2/3 innings, striking out seven.
Hunter Renfroe's two-out, two-run single to center gave Kansas City a first-inning lead.
Crow-Armstrong and Christian Bethancourt singled to open the Chicago third and executed a double-steal before scoring on Nico Hoerner's two-run double past third base, tying the game at 2.
Crow-Armstrong had three hits Sunday and has not been caught in 19 steal attempts.
The Royals regained the lead in the fourth when Freddie Fermin's leadoff fly was caught by a fan reaching in front of the left field foul pole.
After a short crew chief review, Fermin's fifth homer of the season was confirmed as fan interference. Kansas City was hitless thereafter.
Patrick Wisdom, who hit a go-ahead grand slam in Saturday's 9-4 win, homered in the ninth as Chicago added three insurance runs.
Cubs designated hitter Christopher Morel exited in the fourth inning after being traded to the Tampa Bay Rays as part of a package for infielder Isaac Paredes.
Royals relievers John Schreiber and Hunter Harvey left the game with injuries. Schreiber stumbled while covering first base in the sixth, suffering right knee patella tendon discomfort.
Harvey threw just seven of his 22 pitches for strikes in the seventh before exiting with low back spasms.
The Royals have lost consecutive series and four of their past five games.