The Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers face off in the second game of their three-game series at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. The Royals secured a dominant 6-1 victory in Game 1, powered by home runs from Salvador Perez and Bobby Witt Jr.. Texas looks to bounce back, while Kansas City aims to build on its momentum.
Game Details
- Date: Wednesday, June 18, 2025
- Time: 8:05 PM ET
- Venue: Globe Life Field, Arlington, TX
- TV Broadcast: Bally Sports Southwest, Bally Sports Kansas City, MLB Network
Team Overview & Recent Form
Kansas City Royals (35-38, 15-19 Away)
The Royals snapped their six-game losing streak with a statement win in Game 1, thanks to Salvador Perez’s two-homer performance. Kansas City has struggled recently, but their offense came alive against Texas, scoring six runs on eight hits.
Key Players to Watch
- Salvador Perez – Hit two home runs in Game 1, batting .279 on the season.
- Bobby Witt Jr. – Leads the Royals with 23 doubles, eight home runs, and 24 walks.
- Seth Lugo (SP) – 3-5 record, 3.18 ERA, coming off a 5.2-inning shutout performance.
Texas Rangers (36-37, 23-13 Home)
The Rangers struggled offensively in Game 1, managing just five hits in the loss. Corey Seager scored the lone run, but Texas failed to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Despite the setback, the Rangers remain one of the top teams in the AL West.
Key Players to Watch
- Josh Smith – Leads the Rangers with a .292 batting average, adding seven home runs and 20 RBI.
- Wyatt Langford – Power hitter with 13 home runs, ranking 24th in MLB.
- Jack Leiter (SP) – 4-3 record, 3.88 ERA, looking to rebound after allowing four runs in four innings.
Tactical Analysis & Key Matchups
- Royals’ Offense vs. Rangers’ Pitching – Kansas City’s power surge vs. Texas’ rotation depth.
- Home Run Battle – The Rangers rank top 10 in MLB in home runs, while the Royals have struggled with power hitting.
- Starting Pitcher Duel – Lugo’s elite control vs. Leiter’s strikeout potential.
Texas’ home-field advantage and lineup depth give them the edge, but Kansas City’s momentum from Game 1 could make this a competitive matchup. Expect a tight battle, with the Rangers likely securing a bounce-back win.
Game Odds
Kansas City Royals – 136
Texas Rangers 8
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, June 17, 2025
