Game Preview: Pittsburgh Pirates vs Kansas City Royals
Date: Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Venue: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, MO
Broadcast: FanDuel Sports Network Kansas City
Betting Odds: Pittsburgh (+162) Kansas City (-196)
Kauffman Stadium will host the matchup between the Kansas City Royals (44-48) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (38-54) on Wednesday. The betting odds favor the Royals at -196, while the Pirates stand at +162, with a total line set at 8 runs. Expect to see Bailey Falter and Kris Bubic on the mound as the starting pitchers.
The Pittsburgh Pirates are averaging just 3.4 runs per game, placing them 30th in the league. They have accumulated 313 runs this season with an on-base percentage of .302. The team has produced 118 doubles and hit 62 home runs, racking up a total of 303 RBIs and 698 hits, maintaining a batting average of .230. Their slugging percentage sits at .339 with 805 strikeouts and 291 walks.
|
Today’s Featured MLB Best Bet!
RAPHAEL ESPARZA aims for a strong week and has highlighted a 5-Unit MLB Runline (7 p.m.) Tuesday. Esparza sees excellent value in this game after analyzing the pitching matchups. Don’t miss out—sign up below! (STRIKE POINT SPORTS backs this selection.)
Get this top play for free by creating a $60 account here at Doc’s Sports and redeeming it for a one-day MLB package. Join Now!
|
Discover all of our MLB Picks Today
The Pirates boast a team ERA of 3.68, ranking 7th in MLB, having struck out 685 batters this season. They have allowed 82 home runs and given up a total of 356 runs (also 7th in MLB). The team has walked 269 hitters, with a FIP of 3.83. Pittsburgh pitchers have allowed 702 hits, averaging 7.8 hits per 9 innings, and have yielded 332 earned runs, showcasing a K/BB ratio of 2.55 and a WHIP of 1.20.
When it comes to relief pitching, the Pirates have a save rate of 54.5%, having entered 78 save situations, with 32.8% of inherited base runners scoring. Their bullpen has had 283 appearances this season, accumulating 43 holds (24th in MLB) and securing 18 saves with 15 blown opportunities out of 33 chances.
In the field, the Pirates have converted 71.8% of balls in play into outs across 7,311 innings, currently ranking 2nd in MLB. They have tallied 2,437 putouts, 801 assists, and 42 errors, leading to a fielding percentage of .987 (10th in the majors) and turning 76 double plays.
Falter has pitched 432 innings, recording 321 strikeouts in his professional career. With a career record of 24-27, he holds a FIP of 4.37 against 1,798 batters. His ERA is 4.43, allowing 213 earned runs and a WHIP of 1.267, giving up 428 hits (8.9 hits per nine innings) with 120 walks.
The Kansas City Royals have tallied 67 home runs and 309 RBIs this season, alongside 157 doubles and 313 runs scored. Their on-base percentage stands at .299 with a batting average of .244. On average, the Royals score 3.40 runs per game (29th in MLB) and have recorded 636 strikeouts (29th in the league) with 752 hits.
As a pitching unit, the Royals maintain a WHIP of 1.213 and a FIP of 3.82. Their strikeout-to-walk ratio is 8.20 (746 strikeouts vs. 267 walks). They have allowed 724 total hits, ranked 12th in MLB, conceded 93 home runs, and maintain a 3.71 ERA (3rd in the league). Thus far, their team ERA is 3.47, with 315 earned runs given up.
Kansas City relief pitchers have stepped up in 36 save opportunities, converting 27 saves, sitting 2nd in the league with a 75.0% save rate. They have utilized 297 relievers this season, appearing in 101 high-leverage situations and 91 outings with inherited runners. Their inherited scoring percentage is 30.8% out of 130 inherited runners. With 86 save chances, the Royals have secured 49 holds and recorded 9 blown saves.
Defensively, the Royals have turned 71 double plays with a fielding percentage of .988 (6th in MLB). The team has achieved 814 assists, made 40 errors, and completed 2,451 putouts this season. Their defensive efficiency across 7,353 innings is at 71.0% (7th in professional baseball).
In his career, Bubic has surrendered 460 base hits, amassing 435 strikeouts in 458 innings pitched. He has allowed 211 earned runs with a WHIP of 1.404 and a FIP of 4.1. His K/BB ratio is 2.38, facing 1,972 hitters in his MLB career. Bubic holds an 18-35 career record with an earned run average of 4.15, allowing 9.0 hits per nine innings.
Who will emerge victorious in tonight’s MLB match? Will it be against the spread or the moneyline?
Guy Bruhn’s Prediction: Back Pittsburgh (+162)
Claim your $60 in FREE premium member picks. No strings attached. No Salespeople. No Credit Card Required. Quick signup for instant access. Click Here
Source link
