The stage is set for another interesting confrontation between the Kansas City Royals and Washington Nationals on September 24, 2024. The excitement and tension are high as the Royals, after a record of 82-74 during the regular season, are trying to get off their latest downfall while the Nationals, currently at 69-87, are trying to take advantage of home ground and salvage some wins to improve the overall record. This revisited rivalry promises a battle of the teams and of wits and instinct, making every play worthy and intriguing for paid picks and analysis.
Kansas City Royals vs. Washington Nationals 9/24/24 Game Info and Odds |
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| When: | Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at 6:45 PM ET |
| Where: | Nationals Park |
| Watch: | MASN2, ESPN, MLB.TV |
| Royals odds: | -161 |
| Nationals odds: | +135 |
| Total Line: | 7.5 |
Kansas City Royals (82-74) vs. Washington Nationals (69-87)
The Kansas City Royals, despite a strong overall season, have found themselves in a troubling dip, losing their last seven games straight. This recent performance includes a series against the Giants where they were shut out twice (0-2, 0-9) and only managed to score a single run in another game (1-2), underlining issues in their offensive lineup that need urgent addressing.
| Kansas City Royals Last 5 Games | |||
| Date | Opponent | Score | SU |
| Sep 22, 2024 | SF | 0-2 | Lose |
| Sep 21, 2024 | SF | 0-9 | Lose |
| Sep 20, 2024 | SF | 1-2 | Lose |
| Sep 18, 2024 | DET | 2-4 | Lose |
| Sep 17, 2024 | DET | 1-3 | Lose |
Conversely, the Washington Nationals have also struggled, marked by a heavy defeat to the Cubs (0-5) but salvaging a solitary win (5-1) amidst their recent challenges. Like the Royals, the Nationals have shown vulnerability, particularly in maintaining consistent offensive production, a factor they must capitalize on in the face of Kansas City’s weak spots.
| Washington Nationals Last 5 Games | |||
| Date | Opponent | Score | SU |
| Sep 22, 2024 | CHC | 0-5 | Lose |
| Sep 21, 2024 | CHC | 5-1 | Win |
| Sep 20, 2024 | CHC | 1-3 | Lose |
| Sep 19, 2024 | CHC | 6-7 | Lose |
| Sep 18, 2024 | NYM | 0-10 | Lose |
Cole Ragans (11-9, 3.24 ERA) vs. Mitchell Parker (7-10, 4.44 ERA)
Cole Ragans of the Royal covers this game with an impressive record of 5 wins with an earned run average of 3.24 and WHIP of 1.15, covering 180.1 innings of play. With 217 strikeouts but hardly any walks or home runs allowed, Ragans does seem to have the mental fortitude and pitching talents to tackle the Nationals in the right circumstances and with offense from his side.
Statistically, Mitchell Parker for the Nationals answers with a less charitable 4.44 ERA and a 1.3 WHIP, yet he has been able to hold off runs. Including 128 k’s throughout 146 innings pitched, Parker would be crucial to the win if he capitalizes on the current offensive slump the Royals are on. It will make a very big difference if he can handle the situation, go well in the games, and give quality starts.
MLB Odds/Point Spread: Kansas City Royals -1.5 (+107), Total Odds: 7.5
The current betting odds suggest that the prudent approach to selecting the Royals is working out since they have somehow come out as the best team. However, the total of 7.5 is rather indicative of a low-scoring encounter, further supported by the recent inept displays from both sides in terms of scoring output.
Kansas City Royals Betting Trends
The most recent disappointment of the Royals is disconcerting, as they have gone UNDER in 4 of their last 5 matches and have not won in a streak that has clocked over a week long. Their dismal record on their voyages, having lost 8 of the last 11, further clouds their future.
Washington Nationals Betting Trends
Similarly to the Royals, the Nationals have also experienced this situation for the total going UNDER in 7 out of the last 10 games. This trend issues an extension in the house defeat of the team as the UNDER has been recorded on 4 out of the last 5 games in the house, a trend that could extend to this one.
Kansas City Royals vs. Washington Nationals 9/24/24 Betting Picks
After carefully following the performances and trends of the two teams recently, it can be said that the Royals will most likely break the loss run with pitcher Cole Ragans. However, expect a tense, low-scoring affair as both teams’ offensive struggles with the bat will be well documented. The trends in the betting lines also support the score prop betting for the UNDER as it has been of late for both teams managing to score a few points.
As far as the winning MLB picks, there is some value in the Nationals covering the spread at home, given the priced odds and the form of the Royals on the road. Prop bets related to pitcher strikeouts and innings may be profitable as well, and Ragan’s involvement will be critical. Anticipate a fair fight, with the margins expected to be narrow with the game likely to end up more on the lesser side.