Kenny G grabbed Chicago at +130, labeling it a rare spot where the White Sox deserve respect as home dogs. He called Kansas City’s starter Michael Lorenzen unbackable after three blow-ups in his last four starts, pushing his ERA to 5.12. The Royals lineup has sunk to 27th in runs and 25th in OBP and has scored 1 or 2 runs in two of its last three. Conversely, Chicago has won four of five and suddenly plated 4-7-3-4-8 runs during that stretch despite still ranking 26th in runs on the season. Kenny likes what he has seen from converted reliever Mike Vasil, who has strung together three multi-inning relief appearances of 3+ scoreless frames against Detroit, the Mets and Texas and now gets his first start. Chicago’s bullpen is no longer a tire fire, and the club is 18-13-2 to the over at home, signaling friendlier run support. With KC just 14-18 on the road and laying –154, Kenny thinks the market is overvaluing the Royals’ early-season narrative and is happy to take the hotter bats and plus money with the South Siders.

Cash Out Sports Picks backed Kansas City after last night’s bullpen meltdown. He highlighted the Royals’ fundamentals (only 27 errors all season, bullpen 3.35 ERA) and Michael Wacha’s recent heater—fewer than two earned runs allowed in four of his past five starts while working 6+ innings in 9 of 12 outings. Chicago’s offense ranks 28th in batting average and historically struggles with Wacha (.303 collective BA but little damage). Adrian Houser has given up just 3 ER in 18.1 IP, yet the tout noted a ‘small-sample mirage’ and pointed out KC’s .270 team average over the last week plus a .303 career mark against Houser. Expecting revenge and the clearly better club, he took the Royals moneyline.