Kansas City hasn't had much success recently against Oakland, but they'll hope to turn things around as they open up play at Kauffman Stadium for the 2017 season. The Athletics lost two out of three over the weekend against Texas. Their defense and pitching was miserable, giving up 19 runs in total. The Royals rebounded by winning two out of three against Houston. They could have had the sweep, but lost by a 5-4 decision on Sunday afternoon. First pitch for game one in this series is at 4:15 PM Eastern time on Monday and the game can be seen on MLB Network nationally and FSN Kansas City in local markets.
Athletics (3-4 overall, 2-5 O/U, 1-2 away, 3rd AL West)
Oakland had their bats fail in a disappointing 8-1 contest on Sunday afternoon. The starting lineup hit a total of eight hits compared to 11 strikeouts and 23 left on base. Eight players were left in scoring position with two outs. Pinch hitter Matt Joyce (.158 avg) went 0-for-2 on his at-bats and was responsible for half of those. Right fielder Mark Canha (.083 avg) went 1-for-3 and recorded his first double of the season. First baseman Ryon Healy (.143 avg) went 0-for-5 and grounded into a double play. Center fielder Rajai Davis (.148 avg) also didn't record a hit, but he did register two walks.
Right-hander Jharel Cotton (0-1, 10.38 ERA) will get the start for the Athletics.
He lasted just 4.1 innings in his season debut and gave up five earned runs on eight hits. He also recorded four strikeouts to his two walks. His team ultimately lost to the Los Angeles Angels 5-0.
Royals (2-4 overall, 3-1 O/U, 0-0 home, 5th AL Central)
Kansas City also took a 5-4 loss on Sunday. After going up 3-1 after six innings, Houston tied it up after the seventh inning and then ultimately won the game in extra innings.
Third baseman Mike Moustakas (.348 avg) hit his third home run of the season and catcher Salvador Perez (.292 avg) knocked out his fourth of the year. A third home run and first of his season was mailed by designated hitter Brandon Moss, who's struggled with a .077 average and tied the team-high of three strikeouts, joining center fielder Lorenzo Cain (.200 avg).
Right-handed starter Ian Kennedy (0-1, 5.40 ERA) will get the nod for the Royals on the mound. He gave up three earned runs on three hits and had an equal amount of five strikeouts and five walks. His team lost 9-1 to Minnesota.
Current moneyline odds have Oakland as -103 and Kansas City favored at -120. The O/U total has been set at 8.5 runs.
