Practice Pick 5: CLE (-110) @ KCR ML

The Kansas City Royals have put together a nice string of wins to enter May.  A sweep of the Mariners in Seattle was impressive even with the Mariners playing poorly.  They kept it rolling with a 6-2 win in the opener of a three-game series against the Guardians on Monday night.

Stephen Kolek (0-0) makes his first start of the season for Kansas City.  Kolek was acquired from the Padres at last season's trade deadline for catcher Freddy Fermin.  He pitched well last season, holding a spot in the rotation in San Diego most of the year.  San Diego won some games and made the playoffs, partly as a result of some good innings from Kolek.  Down the stretch with KC, Kolek pitched to a 1.91 ERA in 33.0 innings to close the '25 season.  The righty-hurler didn't have a spot in the Royals' rotation to open the '26 season but with Noah Cameron struggling, Kolek gets the spot start.  Kolek's game is groundballs and soft contact.  He has good control of a six-pitch mix and gets outs with his fastball and an excellent changeup.  He has thrown 16.1 innings in AAA this season.  His numbers haven't been impressive but he has a year of big league starts under his belt and has the repertoire to pitch six innings today.

Gavin Williams (5-1) starts for Cleveland.  Williams has been sharp over his last five, posting a 2.89 ERA and an 11.58 K/9.  The righty hasn't pitched as well on the road but those numbers are skewed by a trip to the Rogers Centre.  He was nailed for six earned in the Toronto Dome.  Williams faced the Royals earlier this season and allowed one hit, one earned run, striking out eight in 5.2 innings.  The Royals have a nice lefty-stack with some good power from the left-hand side of the plate but Williams is particularly effective against left-handed hitters mixing in a cutter that he locates up in the zone with a sweeper that dives low and inside on the weak-siders.  

Cleveland stacks their lineup with left-handed hitters.  The righty Kolek has his work cut out for him today.  Rookie slugger Chase DeLauter has been on a tear, and switch-hitting all-star third baseman, Jose Ramirez, slugs best from the left-hand side.  

Both bullpens are in good shape and well-rested entering this afternoon's game.  I give the edge in the bullpen to Cleveland due to their quality depth. KC's bullpen isn't that deep but they have gotten good innings from a pair of lefties, Matt Strahm and Daniel Lynch IV, and both are likely available this afternoon.

It's the Royals hosting the Guardians at Kaufmann Stadium in Kansas City, MO.  Game starts at 5:40 PM CDT and the weather looks to be overcast with light rain.  It should be a pitcher's duel and Gavin Williams is the better starter tonight.  At (-120) on the moneyline, I like Cleveland to post the win.

------------------Sunday, April 19--------------------

Today's Pick: CLE (-120) @ KCR ML

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It's another practice pick, we are 2-3 on the preseason.  2-2 on our straight wagers and 0-1 on our parlay pick last week.  

I like this pick tonight.  Let's see if the Guards can get us win.

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