The Kansas City Royals and Minnesota Twins continue their three-game series at Target Field, with the Twins holding a 1-0 series lead after a 3-1 victory in Game 1. The Royals, however, have won three of the five matchups between these teams this season and will look to even the series.
Game Overview
- Date: Saturday, May 24, 2025
- Time: 2:10 PM ET
- Location: Target Field, Minneapolis, MN
- Broadcast: ESPN, Bally Sports North, Bally Sports Kansas City
- Series Status: Game 2 (Twins lead 1-0)
Team Breakdown
Minnesota Twins (28-22, 2nd in AL Central)
- Home Record: 17-7
- Last 10 Games: 8-2 record, .266 batting average, 3.00 ERA
- Key Players:
- Trevor Larnach – Batting .249, with seven home runs and 23 RBIs.
- Kody Clemens – Hitting .400 over his last 10 games, with four doubles and two home runs.
- Zebby Matthews (SP) – 0-1, 12.00 ERA, looking for his first win of the season.
Kansas City Royals (28-24, 3rd in AL Central)
- Road Record: 11-15
- Last 10 Games: 4-6 record, .260 batting average, 3.24 ERA
- Key Players:
- Vinnie Pasquantino – Leads the team with eight home runs, slugging .388.
- Maikel Garcia – Batting .315, with three doubles and a home run in his last 10 games.
- Michael Wacha (SP) – 3-4, 2.86 ERA, has allowed two earned runs or fewer in seven of his 10 starts.
Key Matchups & Storylines
1. Twins’ Home Dominance vs. Royals’ Road Struggles
Minnesota has been strong at home (17-7 record), while Kansas City has struggled on the road (11-15 record). Can the Royals overcome their road woes?
2. Wacha vs. Twins’ Offense
Wacha has been consistent this season, keeping opponents in check. Can Larnach and Clemens break through against him?
3. Royals’ Contact Hitting vs. Twins’ Power
Kansas City thrives on high-contact hitting, while Minnesota relies more on home runs. If the Royals can string together hits, they could neutralize the Twins’ power advantage.
4. AL Central Standings Impact
Both teams are within striking distance of first place, making this series crucial for positioning in the division.
Prediction & X-Factors
- Likely Outcome: A close, competitive game with both teams looking to gain momentum.
- X-Factors:
- Twins’ ability to hit for power – Can Larnach and Clemens capitalize on Kansas City’s pitching?
- Royals’ offensive consistency – If Pasquantino and Garcia stay hot, Kansas City has a chance.
- Wacha’s control – If he limits walks, the Royals could take control.
Game Odds
Kansas City Royals 8
Minnesota Twins – 130
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, May 23, 2025
