BetMGM: Royals vs. Yankees ALDS Prediction: Game 2 Best Bet for Oct. 7
The New York Yankees prevailed in a back-and-forth battle with the Kansas City Royals, securing a 6-5 win in Saturday’s Game 1 of the ALDS.
The series opener featured five lead changes, marking the most in MLB history for a postseason game.
The Yankees are now -150 favorites in Monday’s Game 2 after being -210 to win the opener.
Here is a look at the latest MLB odds for Royals vs. Yankees and my best bet ahead of Game 2:
MLB Playoff Odds – Royals vs. Yankees
- Royals Moneyline: +125
- Yankees Moneyline: -150
- Over/Under: 7.5 (-110/-110)
- Series Price: Royals (+340), Yankees (-450)
Royals vs. Yankees ALDS Prediction, Game 2 Best Bet
Best bet: Royals-Yankees F5 Under 4.5 (-128)
Before this series began, I suggested taking the -120 price on New York to win Game 1 and the ALDS matchup.
The Yankees still have two wins to go, but Saturday’s showing was a step in the right direction.
In all best-of-five series, the team that has won Game 1 has won the series 72% of the time.
But if Kansas City is going to steal one in New York, it will be Game 2 with left-hander Cole Ragans on the mound. He can limit the damage from the high-powered Yankees offense, particularly on any cheap home runs over the short porch in right.
At the same time, Kansas City’s lineup lacks left-handed power. That’s part of the reason the Royals’ showing on Saturday marked just their second game of five-plus runs over the previous 14 outings.
Thanks to the combination of Kansas City’s offense and Ragans being on the bump, I’ll fade scoring in Monday’s Game 2. The first five line is more appealing than the full-game under because both bullpens have been shaky this year.
Royals vs. Yankees: Betting Stats
- Kansas City Royals 2024 Moneyline Record: 88-77
- Kansas City Royals 2024 Over/Under Record: 70-90
- New York Yankees 2024 Moneyline Record: 95-68
- New York Yankees 2024 Over/Under Record: 87-69
Shane Jackson is a Web Content Writer for BetMGM, covering MLB and NBA. After graduating from the University of Kansas, his previous stops include MLB.com, Lawrence Journal-World, Manhattan Mercury, Bet Chicago Sports, WynnBET, and Sportsbook Review.