Odds on the Royals vs. Indians in the MLB Sportsbook

Coming off the losing end of weekend sweeps, the Cleveland Indians and the Kansas City Royals, the two leading teams of the American League Central, meet up tonight in Cleveland, as each team looks to bounce back.

The MLB Sportsbook favors Cleveland in tonight’s game, with the run total set at 8.5 runs.

Kansas City Royals (12-10) vs. Cleveland Indians (13-8)

Tuesday, April 26 at 7:05 PM ET

Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio

TV: FSKC, STO

MLB Sportsbook Odds: Kansas City +1.5, Cleveland -1.5, Game Total: 8.5 runs

Just a week ago, these teams faced off in Kansas City, splitting the four-game series at two apiece. Even tonight’s starting pitchers faced off last Wednesday night, with Cleveland’s Justin Masterson getting the win over the Royals Luke Hochevar.

The Royals expect a different outcome tonight behind their strong bats. With two players on hot hitting streaks, Kansas City hopes to gain some ground on its American League Central opponent.
Jeff Francoeur has hit four homers so far on the season in addition to his 14-game hitting streak, while Alex Gordon has added 18 consecutive games with hits.

MLB Pitching Matchup:

KCR L. Hochevar (2-2, ERA 5.12) vs. CLE J. Masterson (4-0, ERA 1.71)

Masterson joins the Angels Jered Weaver as the only pitchers in the League to win their first four outings on the season. In over 26 innings of play in 2011, the right-hander has allowed only five runs, posting a season ERA of 1.71.

Hochevar, on the other hand, took the loss last week against Cleveland, as he allowed six runs in just over six innings. Getting his fifth start of the season tonight, the righty has given up 27 hits and six homers amid 20 strike-outs in 2011.

Cleveland hopes to get its eighth consecutive win at home tonight over a Royals team that is 3-5 on the road. The Indians lost two games to the Minnesota Twins over the weekend, while the Royals lost a three-game series to the Texas Rangers, as each team battles tonight for a much-needed win to remain atop the MLB standings.

The best bet is to follow the MLB Sportsbook and take the odds in favor of the Cleveland Indians. In a matchup with two evenly-matched teams in similar situations, the smartest play is on the home team.

MLB Sportsbook Free Pick – Take the Cleveland Indians!