Date: Friday, April 18, 2025
Location: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
First Pitch: 6:40 PM ET
Broadcast: FS1, Bally Sports Detroit, Bally Sports Kansas City
Game Overview
The Kansas City Royals (8-12) look to snap their four-game losing streak as they face the Detroit Tigers (11-8) in the second game of a four-game series at Comerica Park. The Tigers dominated the series opener with a 6-1 victory, fueled by a breakout performance from Riley Greene, who ended his slump with three hits and two RBIs.
Detroit has been strong at home, boasting a 6-1 record at Comerica Park, while Kansas City has struggled on the road, going 2-8 away from Kauffman Stadium.
Projected Starting Pitchers
| Team | Pitcher | Record | ERA | WHIP | Strikeouts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City Royals | Cole Ragans (LHP) | 1-0 | 2.28 | 1.14 | 22 |
| Detroit Tigers | Jackson Jobe (RHP) | 1-0 | 3.00 | 1.20 | 15 |
Cole Ragans (Royals)
Ragans has been one of Kansas City’s most reliable arms, posting a 2.28 ERA with 22 strikeouts in 23.2 innings. He’ll need to navigate a Detroit lineup that has been hot at home, averaging 4.8 runs per game at Comerica Park.
Jackson Jobe (Tigers)
Jobe, Detroit’s highly touted rookie, has impressed early in his MLB career, recording a 3.00 ERA with 15 strikeouts in 18 innings. His ability to control the strike zone will be key against a Royals lineup that ranks 28th in MLB in batting average (.207).
Key Players to Watch
Kansas City Royals
- Bobby Witt Jr. (SS): Leads the team with a .307 batting average, eight doubles, and two home runs.
- Salvador Perez (C): Veteran catcher with three home runs and 12 RBIs, providing leadership behind the plate.
- Maikel Garcia (3B): Drove in Kansas City’s only run in the series opener with an RBI single.
Detroit Tigers
- Riley Greene (OF): Coming off a three-hit, two-RBI performance, breaking out of a 1-for-34 slump.
- Spencer Torkelson (1B): Batting .286 with six home runs and 16 RBIs, leading Detroit’s power surge.
- Zach McKinstry (2B): Provides versatility and has been a key contributor in Detroit’s recent success.
Game Strategy & Key Factors
Kansas City Royals
- Ragans must set the tone: His 2.28 ERA suggests he can keep Detroit’s offense in check, but he must avoid early trouble.
- Offensive struggles: Kansas City has scored three runs or fewer in eight of their last nine games, making run production a major concern.
- Limit Detroit’s power hitters: The Tigers have hit 20 home runs this season, ranking 13th in MLB.
Detroit Tigers
- Jobe’s command: The rookie must control the strike zone and avoid walks against a Royals lineup that struggles offensively.
- Capitalize on Kansas City’s road struggles: The Royals are 2-8 away from home, making this a prime opportunity for Detroit to extend their winning streak.
- Greene’s resurgence: If Greene continues his hot streak, Detroit’s offense could overwhelm Kansas City’s pitching staff.
Kansas City Royals – 142
Detroit Tigers 7.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, April 17, 2025
