The Kansas City Royals, with a record of 74-74, are heading into a challenging game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Currently ranked third in the AL Central, the Royals have struggled recently, losing their last two games and winning only four of their last ten. The team’s recent form reflects their need to bounce back, especially after their 8-2 loss to the Phillies in their previous outing.
On the other hand, the Philadelphia Phillies are in strong form, sitting atop the NL East with a record of 88-60. They have won their last five games and boast an impressive 8-2 record in their last ten outings. The Phillies’ potent offense was evident in their previous win over the Royals, where they racked up 14 hits and seven extra-base hits.
Citizens Bank Park will provide the setting for this encounter, with the game scheduled for a 6:05 PM start on September 13, 2025. Fans can expect warm weather with a light breeze and scattered clouds. With the Phillies maintaining a strong home record of 50-23, the Royals will need to bring their A-game to secure a victory.
Phillies vs Royals At a Glance
- Stadium: Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, PA
- Weather Forecast: Warm day with a light breeze, scattered clouds
- TV Channel: NSPPH
- Royals Record: 74-74, 3rd in AL Central, Streak: L2
- Phillies Record: 88-60, 1st in NL East, Streak: W5
- Game Odds: Phillies favored with a moneyline of -148
Phillies to Continue Winning Streak Against the Royals
Team Overview
The Kansas City Royals are gearing up for their upcoming game against the Philadelphia Phillies. With a team batting average of .261, they rank second in the league, highlighting their offensive strength. Their ability to get on base, with an on-base percentage of .330, positions them third overall, indicating a consistent threat at the plate.
Defensively, the Royals have maintained an earned run average (ERA) of 3.77, placing them sixth in the league. This solid pitching performance has been supported by a respectable 1352 strikeouts, ranking them second. However, their batting average against of .243 ranks them 12th, showing room for improvement in limiting opponent hits.
Key Players to Watch
Ryan Bergert will be starting on the mound for the Royals, bringing a solid ERA of 3.48 and a WHIP of 1.23. His balanced performance, with a record of 2-2, reflects his capability to control the game. Bergert’s presence is crucial as the Royals aim to suppress the Phillies’ dynamic offense.
Offensively, the Royals have showcased power with 186 home runs, ranking them ninth. Their ability to hit doubles is noteworthy as well, with 250 doubles this season. This positions them fifth in the league, illustrating their knack for extra-base hits.
Challenges for the Royals
The Royals face a significant challenge in maintaining their defensive strength against the Phillies’ formidable lineup. Their bullpen has blown 23 saves, ranking sixth, which could be a potential vulnerability. Ensuring late-game security will be pivotal in their efforts to secure a win.
With 1200 strikeouts against their batters, ranked 11th, the Royals need to improve plate discipline. Avoiding unnecessary strikeouts and capitalizing on offensive opportunities will be critical in their matchup against the Phillies.
Betting Trends
- Royals’ record in their last 10 games: 8-2
- Performance in away games: 50.7%
- Recent performance as underdogs: 46.4%
- Over/Under in away games: 34.7%
- Strikeouts: 1352 (2nd in the league)
The Royals have been on a roll, winning eight of their last ten games. Their performance on the road has been consistent, with a 50.7% success rate. As underdogs, they have managed a 46.4% success rate, indicating their ability to compete against higher-ranked teams.
Royals Ready for Showdown Against Phillies: A Closer Look at the Away Team
Team Performance Overview
The Kansas City Royals have had a challenging stretch recently, losing four of their last five games. Despite a recent 4-3 victory against the Cleveland Guardians, they have struggled against strong opponents like the Philadelphia Phillies. Their current record stands at 74-74, placing them squarely at the 50% win mark for the season.
The Royals have shown strong performance in some areas, ranking 12th in batting average at .243 and 4th in doubles with 256. However, their on-base percentage ranks 23rd, indicating room for improvement in getting players on base consistently.
Key Players to Watch
Bobby Witt Jr. remains a standout performer for the Royals, boasting a batting average of .293 with 21 home runs and 78 RBIs. His contributions have been vital, and he ranks 9th in the league for runs scored, showcasing his ability to impact the game offensively.
Maikel Garcia, playing at third base, has been another reliable hitter, maintaining a .292 batting average with 16 home runs. His 69 runs and 69 RBIs make him a consistent contributor both at the plate and in the field.
Vinnie Pasquantino has also been an offensive powerhouse, leading the team with 30 home runs and 102 RBIs. His performance places him 12th in the league for home runs, highlighting his power-hitting capabilities.
Pitching Analysis
On the pitching side, Ryan Bergert will take the mound for the Royals, with a 3.48 ERA and a WHIP of 1.23. His record stands at 2-2, and his ability to limit runs will be crucial against the Phillies’ lineup.
The Royals’ pitching staff has been effective overall, ranking 4th in ERA at 3.70 and 10th in batting average against at .241. However, they have given up 150 home runs, which ranks them 4th highest in the league, suggesting a need to limit long balls.
Team Betting Trends
- SU in Away Games: 34-39 (46.6%)
- Runline in Away Games: 40-33 (54.8%)
- O/U in Away Games: 35-38 (47.9%)
- Runline when Allowing 5+: 13-42 (23.6%)
- SU After a Loss: 39-34 (53.4%)
Recent Game Recaps
In their latest game against the Phillies, the Royals struggled, losing 8-2, with Michael Lorenzen giving up six earned runs in just three innings. Despite seven hits, the team failed to register any extra-base hits, highlighting a need for more offensive power.
Against the Guardians, the Royals secured a narrow 4-3 win on September 10, thanks to a strong performance from their lineup and timely pitching. However, they followed this with a 3-2 loss, where they managed only five hits, indicating inconsistency in their batting.
As the Royals prepare for their upcoming games, they will need to address both offensive and defensive inconsistencies. With key players like Bobby Witt Jr. and Vinnie Pasquantino leading the charge, they have the potential to turn their fortunes around against tough opponents.
Phillies vs Royals Prediction: Phillies -148
The Philadelphia Phillies, currently leading the NL East with a record of 88-60, are riding high with a five-game winning streak. Their performance at home has been particularly strong, boasting a 50-23 record, making them tough to beat at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies’ recent victory over the Royals with an 8-2 scoreline further cements their form.
The Royals, on the other hand, have shown inconsistency with a balanced 74-74 record and a recent two-game losing streak. Their road performance stands at 34-39, which pales in comparison to the Phillies’ dominance at home. With Ryan Bergert on the mound, who has a respectable ERA of 3.48, the Royals will need more than solid pitching to overcome the Phillies’ momentum.
Taijuan Walker will start for the Phillies, who despite a 4.03 ERA and a 4-8 record, will benefit from the robust offensive support the Phillies lineup provides. Philadelphia’s lineup, ranked second in batting average and third in on-base percentage, is well-equipped to exploit any lapse in Royals’ pitching. Their recent history against the Royals, winning convincingly, adds to their advantage.
Given the Phillies’ superior home record, current form, and the Royals’ struggles on the road, Philadelphia at -148 offers a solid value bet. Expect the Phillies to continue their push for the division title with another commanding win.
- Phillies vs Royals Prediction: Phillies -148
- Phillies vs Royals Score: Phillies 6 – Royals 3
