The Kansas City Royals and Baltimore Orioles are set to face off in the second game of a three-game series on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Maryland. The Orioles took the series opener and will look to build momentum, while the Royals aim to bounce back and even the series.
Game Details
- Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
- Location: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, MD
- Start Time: 7:15 p.m. ET
- TV Broadcast: FOX
- Radio: KCSP 610 AM (Royals), 105.7 The Fan (Orioles)
Team Breakdown
Baltimore Orioles (13-18, 5th in AL East)
The Orioles have struggled early in the season but remain competitive, especially at home, where they hold an 8-7 record. Baltimore’s offense has been powered by Cedric Mullins, who leads the team with six home runs and 20 RBIs, while Ryan O’Hearn has been productive, going 10-for-33 with four home runs over the last 10 games.
Key Strengths:
- Home Field Advantage – Baltimore has played better at Camden Yards, winning eight of 15 home games.
- Slugging Power – The Orioles rank seventh in the AL in slugging percentage (.384).
- Resilient Lineup – Baltimore has shown the ability to rally in close games.
Key Weaknesses:
- Pitching Struggles – The Orioles have a 4.98 ERA over their last 10 games, raising concerns about consistency.
- Injury Concerns – Several key players, including Grayson Rodriguez (elbow) and Jordan Westburg (hamstring), remain sidelined.
Kansas City Royals (17-16, 3rd in AL Central)
The Royals have been one of the surprise teams early in the season, boasting a 6-11 road record. Their pitching staff has been a bright spot, ranking fourth in MLB with a 3.17 ERA. Maikel Garcia has been a key contributor, hitting .288 with nine doubles and two home runs, while Drew Waters has been productive, going 12-for-36 with two doubles and a home run over the last 10 games.
Key Strengths:
- Elite Pitching Staff – Kansas City ranks fourth in MLB in ERA (3.17).
- Strong Offensive Production – The Royals have outscored opponents by 16 runs over their last 10 games.
- Balanced Lineup – Multiple players contribute offensively, making them difficult to defend.
Key Weaknesses:
- Road Struggles – Kansas City has a 6-11 record away from home, making this a tough matchup.
- Lack of Power – The Royals rank 30th in MLB in slugging percentage (.331) and home runs (15).
Starting Pitchers
Baltimore Orioles – Tomoyuki Sugano (3-1, 3.00 ERA, 17 K)
Sugano has been solid this season, posting a 3.00 ERA in 33 2/3 innings. In his last start against the Yankees, he pitched five scoreless innings, allowing just five hits.
Kansas City Royals – Kris Bubic (2-2, 3.45 ERA, 29 K)
Bubic has been one of Kansas City’s most reliable starters, with a 3.45 ERA in 31 1/3 innings. He has recorded three scoreless starts of at least six innings this season, making him a key player to watch.
Game Prediction & Key Matchups
Key Matchups:
- Mullins vs. Bubic – Mullins leads Baltimore’s offense and will look to capitalize on Bubic’s pitching.
- Garcia vs. Sugano – Garcia has been a consistent hitter for Kansas City, but Sugano’s recent dominance could neutralize him.
- Bullpen Battle – Kansas City’s bullpen ranks better than Baltimore’s, which could be a deciding factor.
Game Odds
Kansas City Royals 9
Baltimore Orioles – 115
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, May 2, 2025
