Kansas City (26-22) at San Francisco (28-19)
- When: May 19 2025, 9:45 PM
- Where: Oracle Park, San Francisco
- Where to watch: FDSKC
Royals vs. Giants: Pitching Duel Set for Oracle Park
Moneyline: San Francisco Giants (-135) | Total: 7.5
The stage is set for what could be one of the finest pitching matchups of the season as the San Francisco Giants host the Kansas City Royals in the opener of a three-game series at Oracle Park. Both teams are banking on their left-handed aces to set the tone in what’s expected to be a low-scoring affair.
San Francisco Giants
The Giants will send Robbie Ray to the mound, and he’s been nothing short of spectacular this season. Ray is cruising with a 6-0 record and a 3.04 ERA, becoming the first Giants starter to win six of his first nine outings since John Burkett in 1993. The former AL Cy Young winner has been a force in May, going 3-0 while shaking off early struggles in his last start against the Diamondbacks. Despite giving up three runs in the first inning, Ray settled in to blank Arizona over the next five frames, showcasing his full arsenal of pitches.
Ray has faced the Royals three times in his career, boasting a 2.13 ERA without a loss. His ability to mix his fastball, curveball, and changeup while gradually finding his slider has been crucial to his dominance. At home, he’s been even sharper, making him a solid choice to keep the Royals’ bats quiet.
Kansas City Royals
On the other side, the Royals counter with their own lefty ace, Kris Bubic. After primarily being used out of the bullpen last season, Bubic has transitioned seamlessly into a starter’s role. Sporting a 4-2 record with an eye-popping 1.66 ERA, he currently holds the fifth-best ERA in the majors. In his last three starts, he’s allowed just one run across 18 1/3 innings, clocking a 0.49 ERA.
Bubic’s secret? Staying ahead in the count and mixing up his fastball-changeup combo to keep hitters guessing. His most recent outing against the Astros saw him throw 6 1/3 innings of one-run ball, though he left with a no-decision. Bubic has been exceptional on the road and is particularly fired up to pitch in his hometown of San Francisco, where he’s already put together six scoreless innings in a previous start last season.
Prediction
Both starters are in top form, and Oracle Park’s pitcher-friendly dimensions only amplify the potential for a low-scoring game. However, the Giants’ superior offense and Ray’s experience give them the edge in this duel. Expect San Francisco to edge out Kansas City in a tightly contested game.
Final Score Prediction: Giants 3, Royals 2
Best Bet: San Francisco ML (-135)
Total: Under 7.5 (-125)
- MLB Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
