Joe D'Amico's MLB AL Game of the Month

Kansas City vs. Baltimore, 08/11/2012 19:05 EDT, Score: 7 - 3

Money Line: -130 Baltimore

Sportsbook: Intertops

Result: Loss

Today's winner is Baltimore over Kansas City. This is my MLB AL Game of the Month.

Baltimore is red-hot, winning 6 of their L7, tied for the WC spot with Detroit, and just 5 1/2 GB of New York for the AL East's top spot. Manny Machado has gone wild in his first few games in the Big's. He is 4 for 8 with 2 HRs, and 4 RBIs. The lineup has come alive over recent weeks and it seems everyone is contributing. Today, the team sends Chris Tillman to the mound. The RH is 5-1 with a 2.38 ERA this season, including a 2-0, 2.03 mark on the road. He faces the AL's worst team in Kansas City. The Royals are in last place in the Central at 48-64, splitting their L8 contests. KC averages just 4.07 RPG on the road this year compared to Baltimore's 4.57 RPG average at home. Luis Mendoza gets the nod here. The RH is 5-8 overall this campaign and holds a career ERA of 6.75 against the O's but has yet to face them this season. Baltimore is fighting and clawing for every run while Kansas City knows their season is virtually over. The Royals are 8-17 their L25 games played at the Oriole's, 7-16 their L23 games played as a 'dog, and 4-11 their L15 games played on the road. The Oriole's are 4-0 their L4 games played vs. RH starters, 5-1 their L6 games played as a favorite, and 5-1 their L6 games played at home. Take Baltimore. Thank you.