The Kansas City Royals, holding a record of 81-80 and sitting third in the AL Central, are set to play against the Athletics. The Royals come into this game on a one-game win streak and have performed decently in their last ten games, with a 6-4 record. They’ll aim to end their season on a positive note under the guidance of Manager Matt Quatraro.
On the other hand, the Athletics have a 76-85 record, ranking fourth in the AL West. Although they have a balanced 5-5 record over their last ten games, they are looking to rebound from a recent loss to the Royals. Manager Mark Kotsay will be overseeing the team as they take the field at Sutter Health Park.
This game, scheduled for the afternoon of September 28, 2025, is set to take place in pleasant weather conditions with a clear sky and a mild breeze. Fans can catch the action live on NSPCA as both teams seek to conclude their seasons with a victory. The odds slightly favor the Royals, with their moneyline at -129 compared to the Athletics’ +109.
Athletics vs Royals At a Glance
- Game Location: Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, CA
- Weather: Clear sky with a light breeze
- Royals Record: 81-80, 3rd in AL Central
- Athletics Record: 76-85, 4th in AL West
- Odds: Royals -129, Athletics +109
- Broadcast: NSPCA TV Channel
Athletics Hope to End Season on a High Note Against Royals
Overview of the Kansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals head into their final game of the 2025 regular season against the Athletics. Despite not making the playoffs, they aim to end their season positively. Having won their last encounter 4-2, the Royals will look to replicate that success.
Cole Ragans will be on the mound for the Royals, bringing an ERA of 5.02 into the game. With a record of 3-3, Ragans will strive for a strong finish to the season. His consistency will be crucial in keeping the Athletics’ bats at bay.
Kansas City’s Offensive Standouts
Although the Royals have struggled this season, their offense has shown potential. The team’s lineup is capable of generating runs, which will be essential against the Athletics’ pitching staff.
Key players to watch include those who have been consistent contributors throughout the season. Their ability to get on base and drive in runs will be vital in securing a win in the finale.
Defensive Strategies
Defensively, the Royals must minimize errors to give themselves the best chance at winning. Solid fielding will support Ragans and the bullpen effectively.
Emphasizing defensive execution could be the difference-maker in a game that could be decided by small margins. Preventing extra-base hits and controlling the Athletics’ runners will be a focus.
Kansas City Royals Betting Trends
- SU All Games: 76-85 (47.2%)
- SU as Underdog: 57-63 (47.5%)
- Runline All Games: 86-75 (53.4%)
- Runline as Underdog: 72-48 (60.0%)
- O/U All Games: 76-85 (47.2%)
- O/U as Underdog: 62-58 (51.7%)
Final Thoughts
The Kansas City Royals will look to close their season by spoiling the Athletics’ day in Sacramento. A strong performance from Ragans and a capable offense could see them achieving this goal.
With both teams having nothing to lose, it promises to be an interesting game. The Royals will aim to capitalize on the Athletics’ weaknesses and finish their season with a victory.
Kansas City Royals: Ready to Tackle the Athletics
Team Overview
The Kansas City Royals have had a season filled with ups and downs, currently holding a 50.3% win rate. Their batting has been a mixed bag, with a batting average of .246, placing them 11th in the league. Despite their struggles with home runs, ranked 24th, they have excelled in hitting doubles, ranking 4th.
On the pitching front, the Royals have showcased a solid earned run average of 3.75, positioning them as the 6th best in the league. Their pitching staff has effectively limited opposing teams to a .240 batting average against, ranking 8th. However, strikeouts have not been their strong suit, as they rank 25th in this category.
Key Players to Watch
Bobby Witt Jr. continues to be a vital asset for the Royals, with a .296 batting average and 23 home runs. His ability to generate runs is evident with 99 runs scored, making him a crucial player in their lineup. Meanwhile, Vinnie Pasquantino leads the team in home runs with 32 and boasts an impressive 113 RBIs, showcasing his power-hitting capabilities.
Maikel Garcia has also been pivotal, contributing with a .284 batting average and 16 home runs. His versatility at third base adds depth to the Royals’ defensive setup. Additionally, Salvador Perez’s presence remains significant with 30 home runs and 100 RBIs, providing veteran leadership to the team.
Recent Performances
In their recent outing against the Athletics, the Royals secured a 4-2 victory. Michael Wacha pitched six innings, allowing only two hits, demonstrating the team’s strong pitching potential. On the offensive side, Bobby Witt Jr. and Vinnie Pasquantino were instrumental in driving in runs.
However, the Royals faced a narrow 4-3 loss to the Athletics in a previous game, highlighting some inconsistencies. Jonathan India’s three-run homer was a standout moment, yet they struggled to capitalize on other opportunities. Such performances indicate areas for improvement as they look ahead.
Upcoming Challenges
The Royals are gearing up for another encounter with the Athletics, a team they recently faced in consecutive games. With Cole Ragans set to start, the Royals will rely on his experience to counter Brady Basso’s impressive 1.74 ERA. The outcome of this matchup could significantly impact their standings.
Injuries have been a concern for the Royals, with key players like Seth Lugo and Kris Bubic sidelined for extended periods. These absences have put pressure on the rest of the roster to step up and fill the gaps left by these injured players.
Kansas City Royals Betting Trends
- SU Last 3 Games: 2-1 (66.7%)
- Runline Last 3: 2-1 (66.7%)
- O/U Last 3: 1-2 (33.3%)
- SU All Games: 81-80 (50.3%)
- SU in Away Games: 38-42 (47.5%)
- Runline in Away Games: 44-36 (55.0%)
- O/U in Away Games: 39-41 (48.8%)
Athletics vs Royals Prediction: Athletics +109
The Athletics enter their season finale with a home record of 36-44, while the Royals have a road record of 38-42. Given the performances of both starting pitchers, Athletics’ Brady Basso’s impressive ERA of 1.74 could be a pivotal advantage against Royals’ Cole Ragans, who has an ERA of 5.02. Despite the Athletics’ struggles against the Royals earlier in the series, Basso’s recent form might give them a competitive edge at home.
Head-to-head matchups this season have generally favored the Athletics, as they have a 4-1 record against the Royals over the last ten games. In addition, the Athletics have outscored the Royals by an average margin of 1.2 runs in those encounters. This suggests they have been able to manage crucial situations effectively against Kansas City in recent encounters.
The Royals, managed by Matt Quatraro, have been inconsistent on the road this season, further exemplified by their slightly below .500 road record. They will face challenges against an Athletics team that has shown resilience in previous meetings. Additionally, given the mild weather conditions, the Athletics’ ability to capitalize on their home environment might play a significant role.
With the Athletics’ hitting ranking 5th in the league with a .253 batting average and a capable pitcher on the mound, they have the potential to outlast the Royals. A projected scoreline favoring the Athletics such as 5-3 seems plausible given the context and recent performance trends.
- Athletics vs Royals Prediction: Athletics +109
- Athletics vs Royals Score: Athletics 5 – Royals 3
