Kansas City (42-47) at Arizona (43-45)
- When: Jul 5 2025, 4:10 PM
- Where: Chase Field, Phoenix
- Where to watch: FDSKC
Royals vs. Diamondbacks – Game Betting Preview & Prediction
Moneyline: Arizona -135
Total: 8.5
Spread: Arizona -1.5 (+148)
Kansas City Royals Preview
The Royals haven’t won a series in Arizona since 2014, but that drought could end Saturday as they look to build off a dominant 9-3 win on Friday. Winners of three of their last four, Kansas City is starting to click on both sides of the ball after a brutal end to June.
Pitching continues to be their backbone, with a staff ERA of 3.47, tied for second-best in MLB and Kris Bubic delivered again with seven solid innings on Friday. Offensively, the Royals finally exploded with 14 hits and three home runs, including two bombs and six RBIs from Vinnie Pasquantino.
Michael Wacha (4-8, 3.62 ERA) gets the start as the Royals’ veteran right-hander looks to reverse recent struggles. He’s dropped four of his last five decisions and gave up five earned in his last outing. But his track record against Arizona (2-1, 4.70 ERA) offers some hope.
The Royals are underdogs but trending up and a win here would give them back-to-back July series wins and a morale boost before the break.
Arizona Diamondbacks Preview
The Diamondbacks have now dropped three straight and face pressure to respond after a lopsided loss on Friday. They’ll hand the ball to Ryne Nelson (4-2, 3.61 ERA), who’s looked sharp lately despite two straight no-decisions. He pitched 6 2/3 innings of two-run ball against the Giants in his last outing and racked up seven Ks.
Nelson’s fastball-heavy approach has worked lately, but his career numbers vs. KC (0-1, 6.55 ERA) leave room for concern.
Offense has gone quiet for Arizona at the worst time, and while they remain slight -135 moneyline favorites, they’ll need a lot more than that to justify the line.
Prediction & Betting Picks
The value leans Kansas City’s way – they’re surging while Arizona’s regressing. If both starters pitch to form, this one could sneak Under, especially if Wacha keeps the ball in the yard. The underdog Royals keep their desert momentum rolling and lock in their first series win in Phoenix in a decade.
Score Prediction: Royals 5, Diamondbacks 3
Pick: Kansas City (+122)
Total: Under 8.5 (-105)
- MLB Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
