'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Following a tense win on Wednesday night, the New York Yankees are on the brink of a series victory against the Kansas City Royals. The Royals are, conversely, on the brink of elimination, and Game 4 on Thursday night will determine whether the series continues and heads back to New York.
The Yankees would like to end it here and not travel back home for a fifth game, while the Royals would like nothing more than to use their home crowd to their advantage and deliver a clutch win.
Yankees vs. Royals recent form and records
The Yankees ended their regular season on a bit of a lull. They went 5-5 after clinching their playoff spot and the division, but they've rounded back into form during the playoffs, going 2-1 in three close affairs.
Trending
The Royals, meanwhile, ended their season on a bit of a tough spell. They lost seven in a row down before winning four of their last 10 games. They responded by sweeping the Baltimore Orioles but find themselves down 2-1 in the ALDS.
Players to watch
Starting pitchers
Michael Wacha (13-8, 3.35 ERA, 145 SO) vs. Gerrit Cole (8-5, 3.41 ERA, 99 SO)
Gerrit Cole had a 1.13 WHIP and 99 strikeouts in 95 innings.
Last Start: (playoffs) Five innings pitched, seven hits, three earned runs, two walks and four strikeouts
Career vs. Royals: 4-1 with a 2.77 ERA and 65 strikeouts in eight appearances
Michael Wacha had a 1.19 WHIP and 145 strikeouts in 166.2 innings pitched.
Last Start: (playoffs) Four innings, four hits, three earned runs, three walks and three strikeouts
Career vs. Yankees: 2-1 with a 2.97 ERA and 60 strikeouts in 11 appearances
Must-watch hitters
Yankees
Aaron Judge showed some signs of life but has struggled in this series. The slugger is perhaps the most important hitter on either team and is one to watch tonight.
Giancarlo Stanton recorded three hits, including an RBI double and the game-winning home run on Wednesday night. He also stole a base, so he's in rare form.
Royals
Bobby Witt Jr. finally got on base during the series, walking and hitting a single before advancing to third. He has been quiet all series but is a player the Royals will need.
In two games, Garrett Hampson is 3/3 with three RBI, a run scored and a walk. He was off on Wednesday but will likely be back in the lineup here.
Yankees vs. Royals baseball betting odds
Yankees vs. Royals expert predictions
The Yankees have survived despite a relatively poor offense in three games. This will be their second time facing Michael Wacha, who didn't pitch well in Game 1. The Royals will see Gerrit Cole again, but his pedigree suggests that he won't pitch as poorly as he did.
The Yankees have the momentum. They have the better team and offense, and the pitching advantage. The Royals will likely keep it close, as they have all series, but the Yankees should clinch the series.
Run Spread: -1.5
Total Runs: Over 6.5
Prediction: Yankees 4-3 Royals
