In this article, we will formulate a Royals vs Pirates prediction for this MLB game on Wednesday, July 9, at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this MLB matchup.
Pittsburgh Pirates Betting Preview
The Pittsburgh Pirates (38-55, 12-34 Away) recorded two sweeps in a row against the New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals, but they returned to losing ways and are now on a five-game losing streak. After suffering a sweep at the hands of Seattle, Pittsburgh lost the first two games of the series against the Royals. In last night’s 4-3 defeat, Mitch Keller pitched for 6.2 innings in a no-decision, allowing three runs (two earned) on five strikeouts and one walk. Dennis Santana took the loss.
This year, the Pirates average 3.40 runs per game (30th in the MLB) on a .230/.302/.339 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Pirates’ staff has a 3.68 ERA (7th) and 1.19 WHIP (4th). Bryan Reynolds leads the Pirates with a .226 batting average, ten home runs, and 46 RBI this season.
The projected starting pitcher for the Pirates is Bailey Falter, who is 6-4 in 18 starts this season, with a 3.69 ERA and 1.18 WHIP in 92.2 innings.
Kansas City Royals Betting Preview
The Kansas City Royals (44-49, 21-25 Home) came back home from a two-series road trip, on which they split with the Seattle Mariners and defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks. Kansas City will get another series win following back-to-back wins over the Pirates. In Tuesday’s 4-3 victory, Nick Loftin was a hero for the Royals as he led the offense with three RBI, while Seth Lugo pitched for 6.0 innings in a no-decision, allowing two runs on four hits with five strikeouts and one walk. Carlos Estevez was credited with the win.
This season, the Royals average 3.40 runs per game (29th in the MLB) on a .244/.299/.371 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Royals’ staff has a 3.47 ERA (4th) and 1.21 WHIP (6th). Vinnie Pasquantino leads the Royals with a .270 batting average, 15 home runs, and 56 RBI this season.
Kris Bubic will take the mound for the Royals on Wednesday. The 27-year-old left-hander has a 7-6 record in 17 starts this year with a 2.36 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 103.0 innings.
Why the Pirates will cover
- The Royals have lost nine of their last 11 games as home favorites after playing the previous day.
- The Pirates have won each of their last five Wednesday games as underdogs.
- The Royals have failed to cover the run line in each of their last six games at Kauffman Stadium following a home win.
- The road team has covered the run line in seven of the last eight games between the Pirates and Royals.
Total Runs Facts
- Six of the Pirates’ last seven games after playing the previous day have gone UNDER the total runs line.
- Four of the Royals’ last five games against NL Central opponents have gone OVER the total runs line.
- The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Royals’ last six Wednesday night games at Kauffman Stadium.
- The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in eight of the Pirates’ last nine Wednesday games against American League opponents.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Royals rank 2nd in the league for strikeouts against this season (642).
- The Royals rank 2nd in the league for runs allowed this season (340).
- The Pirates rank T29th in the league for runs scored this season (316).
- The Pirates rank T29th in the league for doubles this season (121).
Royals vs Pirates Prediction
The Royals won six of the previous ten H2H encounters, including four of the last five. Although I am leaning toward the Royals in this one, I believe the Pirates will put up a fight and stay close, so if they win, it wouldn’t be a surprise to me. Bailey Falter hasn’t allowed more than three runs in his last five starts, and if he keeps the hosts to two or three here, the visitors will have a chance. Kris Bubic, on the other hand, had a weak June following a strong start to the season, posting a 4.23 ERA, and he now allowed multiple runs in his previous five starts. I am going with the Pirates to cover the run line.