MLB Game Preview: St. Louis Cardinals (25-20) vs. Kansas City Royals (25-21)

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Kansas City Royals logo

The St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Royals continue their three-game series at Kauffman Stadium on Saturday, May 17, 2025. The Cardinals dominated Game 1 with a 10-3 victory, fueled by Ivan Herrera’s explosive performance, while the Royals look to bounce back and end their three-game home losing streak.

Game Details

  • Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025
  • Time: 7:10 p.m. ET
  • Location: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, MO
  • Broadcast: ESPN, Bally Sports Midwest

Team Breakdown & Key Players

St. Louis Cardinals

  • Record: 25-20 (3rd in NL Central)
  • Key Players:
    • Ivan Herrera (DH): Batting .419 with five home runs and 18 RBIs, coming off a 3-for-4, four-RBI performance in Game 1.
    • Brendan Donovan (2B): Leads the team with a .321 batting average, adding 14 doubles and three home runs.
    • Lars Nootbaar (OF): 13-for-42 in his last 10 games, contributing two home runs and six RBIs.
  • Starting Pitcher: Miles Mikolas (RHP, 2-2, 4.35 ERA) – Has allowed three runs or fewer in six straight starts.

Kansas City Royals

  • Record: 25-21 (2nd in AL Central)
  • Key Players:
    • Bobby Witt Jr. (SS): Batting .316 with five home runs, 25 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases, reaching base twice in Game 1.
    • Kyle Isbel (OF): 10-for-31 in his last 10 games, adding two home runs and two triples.
    • Maikel Garcia (3B): 46 hits this season, including 11 doubles and five home runs.
  • Starting Pitcher: Noah Cameron (LHP, 0-0) – Making his second MLB start after a strong debut on April 30.

Game Storylines

  • Cardinals’ Offensive Surge: St. Louis has won nine of its last 10 games, outscoring opponents by 40 runs.
  • Royals’ Home Struggles: Kansas City has lost three straight at home, despite holding a 16-8 home record.
  • Pitching Matchup: Mikolas has been consistent, while Cameron looks to prove himself in his second MLB start.

Game Odds

St. Louis Cardinals           8.5

Kansas City Royals           – 120

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, May 16, 2025

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