MLB Game Preview: Cincinnati Reds (28-28) vs. Kansas City Royals (29-27)

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Kansas City Royals logo

Game Overview

The Reds are going for the series sweep, having won Game 1 (7-2) and Game 2 (5-3). Cincinnati has been hot recently, winning three of their last four games, while Kansas City has struggled, losing four of their last five.

Starting Pitchers

TeamPitcherRecordERAWHIPStrikeouts
RedsHunter Greene (RHP)4-22.541.1263
RoyalsNoah Cameron (LHP)1-10.931.3046

Greene has been dominant, ranking ninth in strikeouts per nine innings (11.4 K/9), while Cameron has been effective in limited starts, boasting a 0.93 ERA.

Team Comparisons

CategoryRedsRoyals
Record28-2829-27
Runs Per Game4.64.1
Batting Average.247.246
Home Runs5533
ERA3.974.12
Bullpen ERA3.723.55

Cincinnati has been strong offensively, ranking 11th in MLB in slugging percentage (.397), while Kansas City has struggled with power hitting, ranking last in home runs (33).

Key Players to Watch

Cincinnati Reds

  • Elly De La Cruz (SS) – 11 HR, 40 RBI, hitting .381 in his last five games.
  • TJ Friedl (OF) – Leads the team with a .299 batting average, riding a five-game hitting streak.
  • Jonathan India (INF) – 10 doubles, 24 walks, providing solid plate discipline.

Kansas City Royals

  • Bobby Witt Jr. (SS) – 5 HR, 20 doubles, hitting .289.
  • Maikel Garcia (INF) – Leads the team with a .309 batting average, providing consistent offense.
  • Vinnie Pasquantino (1B) – 8 HR, 30 RBI, key power hitter for Kansas City.

Matchup Breakdown

  • Reds’ Power vs. Royals’ Pitching – Cincinnati ranks 14th in MLB in home runs, while Kansas City’s pitching staff ranks 25th in slugging percentage allowed.
  • Royals’ Contact Hitting vs. Reds’ Defense – Kansas City has a solid batting average (.246) but lacks power, while Cincinnati has been strong defensively.
  • Bullpen Battle – Both teams have solid relief pitching, making late-game execution crucial.

Game Odds

Cincinnati Reds                 – 118

Kansas City Royals           7.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, May 27, 2025