The Kansas City Royals and Baltimore Orioles are set to open a three-game series on May 2, 2025, at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Maryland. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET, with the game broadcast live on MASN and Bally Sports Kansas City.
The Royals have been one of the hottest teams in baseball, winning nine of their last ten games, including a series sweep of the Tampa Bay Rays. Meanwhile, the Orioles are looking to reset their struggling pitching staff, which ranks second-worst in MLB with a 5.47 ERA.
Starting Pitchers
Kansas City Royals – Michael Wacha (1-3, 3.38 ERA)
Wacha has been solid despite his record, posting a 1.25 WHIP and 7.3 K/9 in 32 innings. He is coming off a six-inning shutout performance against Houston, where he allowed just four hits and struck out six.
Baltimore Orioles – Dean Kremer (2-4, 7.04 ERA)
Kremer has struggled this season, allowing five earned runs in his last start against Detroit. He has a 1.57 WHIP and 5.9 K/9 in 30.2 innings, and Baltimore will need him to step up to contain Kansas City’s offense.
Team Form and Key Players
Kansas City Royals
Kansas City has been dominant on the road, winning their last four away games. Their pitching staff has been a major strength, posting a 3.34 ERA on the road (second-best in MLB).
Key Players:
- Bobby Witt Jr. – On a 22-game hitting streak, leading the Royals’ offense.
- Salvador Pérez – A veteran presence behind the plate, providing leadership and power.
- Maikel Garcia – A consistent contributor, helping Kansas City maintain offensive balance.
Baltimore Orioles
Baltimore has struggled at home, holding a 7-7 record at Camden Yards. Their offense ranks 27th in MLB with a .223 batting average, making run production a challenge.
Key Players:
- Ryan Mountcastle – Hit his second home run of the season in Baltimore’s last game.
- Adley Rutschman – A key offensive force, looking to spark the Orioles’ lineup.
- Cedric Mullins – Leads the team with six home runs and 20 RBIs, batting .278.
Key Matchups and Strategies
- Wacha vs. Orioles’ Offense – Baltimore has struggled at the plate, making Wacha’s ability to control the game crucial.
- Kremer vs. Royals’ Hot Streak – Kansas City’s offense has been clicking, and Kremer will need to limit damage early.
- Bullpen Battle – Baltimore’s pitching staff has been inconsistent, while Kansas City’s bullpen has been a strength.
- Home vs. Away Performance – Kansas City has thrived on the road, while Baltimore has been average at home.
Game Odds
Kansas City Royals 9
Baltimore Orioles – 148
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, May 1, 2025
