Royals-Twins Lines Preview

The division rival Kansas City Royals and Minnesota Twins are set to renew hostilities on Thursday when they meet at The Metrodome. Righthander Gil Meche will take the mound for the Royals to start this game. Meche is 4-9 this season with a 4.50 ERA. The Twins will counter Meche with Carl Pavano. Righthander Pavano has a 5.09 ERA to go along with a 10-8 record this season. Oddsmakers currently have the Twins listed as 175-moneyline favorites versus the Royals, while the game's total has not yet been posted. Joe Crede launched a three-run homer as the Twins defeated the Royals 7-1 on Wednesday, as -200 favorites. The eight runs fell UNDER the night's posted over/under (9). Francisco Liriano whiffed eight batters over seven innings for the win, while allowing just three hits and one run. Willie Bloomquist belted a solo home run for the Royals, who were -180 underdogs. Brian Bannister was rocked for seven runs over six innings in the loss. Team records: Kansas City: 44-69 SU Minnesota: 55-58 SU Kansas City most recently: When playing on Thursday are 6-4 Before playing Detroit are 6-4 After playing Minnesota are 4-6 After a loss are 5-5 Minnesota most recently: When playing on Thursday are 6-4 Before playing Cleveland are 5-5 After playing Kansas City are 5-5 After a win are 5-5 A few trends to consider: Kansas City is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Minnesota Kansas City is 7-18 SU in its last 25 games Kansas City is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games on the road Minnesota is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Kansas City Minnesota is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games Minnesota is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home Next up: Kansas City at Detroit, Friday, August 14 Minnesota home to Cleveland, Friday, August 14