The Pittsburgh Pirates (70-76) welcome the Kansas City Royals (80-67) to PNC Park Friday for the 1st game of a 3-game series. First pitch is set for 6:40 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s'MLB odds around the Royals vs. Pirates odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: First meeting; Pirates won all 3 meetings in 2023
The Royals, who are 2nd in the AL Central, lost to the New York Yankees 4-3 Wednesday as a +129 underdog. Kansas City lost 2 of 3 to the Yankees, but swept the Minnesota Twins in a 3-game series prior to that. It is 5-9 over its last 14. Kansas City is 35-37 on the road and 82-65 against the spread (ATS).
The Pirates are riding a 4-game winning streak, having swept the Miami Marlins in their last series. They won the finale in that home series 3-1 Wednesday, closing as a -143 favorite. Pittsburgh is 7-3 over its last 10 games and 37-38 at home on the season. It is 79-67 ATS.