MLB Game Preview: Kansas City Royals (42-47) vs. Arizona Diamondbacks (43-45)

The Kansas City Royals and Arizona Diamondbacks square off in Game 2 of a three-game weekend series at Chase Field, with both teams hovering near the .500 mark and looking to gain ground in their respective divisions. After a dominant 9–3 win by the Royals in Game 1, the pressure is on Arizona to respond and avoid a fourth straight home loss.

Game Details

Team Records & Recent Form

• The Royals have won 3 of their last 4 and are 29–10 when out-hitting opponents.
• The D-backs have lost 3 straight and are 22–24 at home.

Pitching Matchup

Kansas City Royals: Michael Wacha (4–8, 3.62 ERA)

• 87.0 IP, 76 K, 1.28 WHIP
• Has lost 4 of his last 5 decisions
• Allowed 5 ER in his last start but owns a 2–1 record vs. Arizona with a 4.70 ERA

Arizona Diamondbacks: Ryne Nelson (4–2, 3.61 ERA)

• 84.2 IP, 71 K, 1.24 WHIP
• Coming off 6.2 IP, 2 ER, 7 K vs. Giants
• Career vs. Royals: 0–1, 6.55 ERA

Players to Watch

Kansas City Royals

• Vinnie Pasquantino: 2 HR, 6 RBI in Friday’s win; 14 HR on the season
• Bobby Witt Jr.: 16-for-43 (.372) over last 10 games with 4 doubles and 7 RBI
• Salvador Perez: Veteran leadership and power threat in the middle of the order
• Maikel Garcia: 18 stolen bases, 20 doubles – table-setter at the top

Arizona Diamondbacks

• Eugenio Suárez: 28 HR, .570 SLG – team leader in power production
• Ketel Marte: 5 HR, 9 RBI in last 10 games – heating up at the plate
• Corbin Carroll: Speed threat with 24 SB and elite defense in center field
• Geraldo Perdomo: .269 AVG, 18 doubles, 9 HR – steady contributor

Advanced Stats Snapshot