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Kansas City (74-72) at Cleveland (74-71)
- When: Sep 11 2025, 7:15 PM
- Where: Progressive Field, Cleveland
- Where to watch: FOX
Kansas City’s Bats go Soft Again as Cleveland Looks to Seal the Series
Moneyline: Cleveland -145
Spread: Cleveland -1.5 (+148)
Total: 7.5
Kansas City Royals: Swinging Like They’re Using Pool Noodles
The Royals (74-72) arrive in Cleveland looking like a team still trying to figure out if they’re contenders or just really good at crashing parties. Their bats have gone colder than an office fridge in September, hitting just .195 over the last 10 games.
Bobby Witt Jr. is the one guy carrying the offense like a tired dad holding six grocery bags at once. With 41 doubles and 21 homers, he’s doing everything but mowing the lawn at Kauffman Stadium. Meanwhile, Salvador Perez is colder than a snow cone in January, managing only five hits in his last 37 at-bats. Royals fans are starting to wonder if his bat needs CPR.
Pitching-wise, Stephen Kolek (5-5, 3.88 ERA) takes the mound. He’s been steady, but with the lineup sputtering, Kolek may need to throw a shutout and maybe hit a homer himself to give Kansas City a chance.
Cleveland Guardians: Riding the J-Ram Express
Cleveland (74-71) holds a slight edge in the season series (7-5) and currently looks like the team with more life. They’ve gone 6-4 in their last 10 games and actually remembered how to hit a baseball, averaging a .264 clip during that stretch.
Jose Ramirez continues to be the Guardians’ beating heart and occasional superhero, batting .287 with 28 homers. The guy probably drives the team bus when he’s done raking at the plate. Add in Kyle Manzardo, who has been hotter than a summer sidewalk with four homers in his last 34 at-bats, and Cleveland looks primed to keep rolling.
On the hill, Gavin Williams (10-5, 3.17 ERA) gets the ball, and he’s been mowing down hitters with 146 strikeouts this season. Guardians fans should feel good when Williams pitches, unless he suddenly forgets the strike zone and starts throwing like he’s aiming for the mascot.
Betting Outlook & Prediction
Cleveland is better at stringing together hits, while Kansas City seems allergic to offense lately. Unless the Royals wake up with miracle bats, this one feels tilted toward the home side. Cleveland takes the series behind a strong start from Williams and another dose of J-Ram magic, while Kansas City continues to look offensively challenged.
Score Prediction: Guardians 5, Royals 2
Pick: Cleveland -1.5 (+148)
Total: Under 7.5 (-105)
- MLB Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
