Kansas City Royals at Cleveland Indians Preview

It’s the home opener for the Cleveland Indians on Monday afternoon, and the Kansas City Royals will be in town as the opponent. These Central Division rivals are both looking to surprise some people this season and challenge for the AL Central Division crown.

Kansas City went 2-1 in their opening series against the Texas Rangers, and they did it with an impressive offensive display. The Royals will now hit the road, but they will be looking to build on a great start. 

Cleveland lost the first two games in Detroit before picking up a 9-3 win in the series finale. There will be some extra motivation and excitement as the Indians return home to play in front of fans for the first time in more than a year. 

The Cleveland Indians are slight betting favorites at -121 in this series opener against the Kansas City Royals. 

Royals Slugging to Start Season

The Kansas City Royals have scored 28 runs already this season, and they have plenty of power in their everyday lineup. The Royals currently lead MLB with a .330 batting average, and those red-hot bats will be a challenge for the Indians pitching staff.

Centerfielder Michael A. Taylor leads the way with two home runs and six runs batted in, and the Indians have to find a way to cool him off. Kansas City also has Jorge Soler in the middle of that lineup, and he has been known to terrorize Cleveland pitching in the past. 

Indians Need More Pitching

Logan Allen makes the start for Cleveland on Monday afternoon, and the Tribe needs a long outing from their starter. Cleveland has struggled to get outs to begin the 2021 season, and that could start a dangerous trend.

Life without Francisco Lindor has been a bit different for the Indians to begin the season, but they found their groove in the win on Sunday. Eddie Rosario leads the team with a .375 batting average and has also hit his first home run of the season.

Cleveland has the pieces to surprise some people in the American League, but it all starts with getting outs from the starting pitching. 

First to 7 Runs Wins?

Cleveland will need to keep the bats hot if they are going to win this series opener against the Kansas City Royals. It might take at least seven runs to win on Monday afternoon as both teams will not likely get a solid performance from their starting pitcher. 

The weather is expected to be beautiful on Monday for the home opener, and this should allow the hitters to be comfortable in the box. Look for the balls to be flying all over the yard, and the Indians will have to match the impressive power of the Royals. 

If Cleveland is able to play long ball on Monday, then they will have a chance to win their second straight game. The Indians need to start stringing wins together, and playing the Royals gives them a good opportunity to do just that.