First Pitch: 7:45 PM ET / 6:45 PM CT
Television: Bally Sports Kansas City / Bally Sports Midwest
The I‑70 rivalry renews Thursday night as the Kansas City Royals (19–25) travel east to face the surging St. Louis Cardinals (25–18). Kansas City enters trying to halt a slide that has pushed them six games under .500, while St. Louis continues to climb the NL Central standings behind strong pitching and timely hitting. The pitching matchup features veteran right‑hander Michael Wacha, returning to the city where he began his career, against emerging Cardinals starter Tink Hence May, who has quickly become one of St. Louis’ most electric young arms.
VENUE — BUSCH STADIUM
- Location: St. Louis, Missouri
- Dimensions: 336 ft (LF), 400 ft (CF), 335 ft (RF)
- Park Factor: Slightly pitcher‑friendly
- Surface: Natural grass
Busch Stadium suppresses home runs to center and right‑center, rewarding line‑drive hitters and strong defensive teams.
WEATHER REPORT — ST. LOUIS, MO
Forecast at First Pitch:
- Temperature: 70°F
- Wind: 7–10 mph blowing in from left field
- Humidity: 60%
- Chance of Rain: <10%
- Conditions: Pitcher‑friendly — wind reduces carry on fly balls
Expect a lower‑scoring environment unless bullpens falter.
INJURY REPORT
Kansas City Royals
- SS Bobby Witt Jr. — Probable (ankle) Expected to play; centerpiece of KC’s offense.
- C Salvador Pérez — Questionable (knee) Game‑time decision; major impact on both offense and game‑calling.
- RP James McArthur — Out (forearm) Late‑inning stability weakened.
- OF Kyle Isbel — Probable (hamstring) Expected to return.
St. Louis Cardinals
- 1B Paul Goldschmidt — Probable (back) Expected to start; still managing soreness.
- OF Lars Nootbaar — Out (shoulder) Reduces lineup balance.
- SP Sonny Gray — Out (elbow) Rotation depth tested.
- RP Giovanny Gallegos — Probable (neck) Expected to be available.
TEAM FORM & MOMENTUM
Kansas City Royals (19–25)
- Last 10 Games: 3–7
- Runs/Game: 4.2
- Runs Allowed/Game: 4.9
- Trend: Offense inconsistent, rotation struggling, bullpen unreliable.
- Identity: Speed + contact + volatile pitching.
St. Louis Cardinals (25–18)
- Last 10 Games: 7–3
- Runs/Game: 4.7
- Runs Allowed/Game: 4.1
- Trend: Pitching stabilizing, lineup producing, bullpen strong.
- Identity: Balanced offense + strong rotation + elite defense.
STARTING PITCHER BREAKDOWN
Michael Wacha — RHP, Royals
- 2026 Stats: 4.28 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 39 K in 48 IP
- Road ERA: 4.60
- Pitch Mix: Changeup, 4‑seam fastball, cutter, curveball
- Strengths: Changeup remains elite, induces soft contact
- Weaknesses: Declining velocity, vulnerable to left‑handed power
Matchup Notes: St. Louis’ left‑handed bats (Gorman, Donovan, Winn from the left side) match up well against Wacha’s fastball/changeup mix.
Tink Hence May — RHP, Cardinals
- 2026 Stats: 3.22 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 55 K in 50 IP
- Home ERA: 2.95
- Pitch Mix: Upper‑90s fastball, slider, curveball, changeup
- Strengths: Swing‑and‑miss stuff, elite fastball life, strong vs. righties
- Weaknesses: Occasional walk spikes, vulnerable to aggressive baserunners
Matchup Notes: Kansas City’s speed (Witt Jr., Garcia) could challenge May if he struggles with command.
KEY PLAYER MATCHUPS
1. Bobby Witt Jr. vs. Tink Hence May
Witt handles velocity well but must avoid chasing May’s slider. Advantage: Even
2. Nolan Gorman vs. Michael Wacha
Gorman crushes changeups and elevated fastballs — dangerous matchup for Wacha. Advantage: St. Louis
3. Salvador Pérez (if active) vs. May’s Fastball
Pérez can punish mistakes but struggles vs. elite velocity. Advantage: St. Louis
4. Paul Goldschmidt vs. Wacha’s Cutter
Goldschmidt thrives vs. soft‑contact pitchers. Advantage: St. Louis
SERIES HISTORY
- 2025 Season: Cardinals won 3–1
- Last 10 Meetings: Cardinals lead 6–4
- At Busch Stadium: Cardinals have won 5 of last 7
St. Louis has controlled the rivalry recently, especially at home.
BETTING TRENDS
Kansas City Royals
- 2–6 in last 8 road games
- 1–4 in Wacha’s last 5 starts
- Overs hit in 4 of last 6 games
St. Louis Cardinals
- 7–2 in last 9 home games
- 5–1 in May’s last 6 starts
- Unders hit in 5 of last 7 games
Matchup Trends
- Cardinals have scored 5+ runs in 6 of last 10 vs. Royals
- Unders hit in 3 of last 5 meetings at Busch Stadium
Game Odds
Kansas City Royals 8.5
St. Louis Cardinals – 109
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, May 14, 2026
