The Kansas City Royals upset the San Francisco Giants in their series opener at Oracle Park last night, and the two teams hit the field for Game 2 on Tuesday, May 20.
Kansas City has righty Michael Lorenzen toeing the rubber, and San Francisco is countering with righty Hayden Birdsong.
My top MLB picks and Royals vs. Giants predictions are calling for another low-scoring result in the Bay Area tonight.
Royals vs Giants prediction
My Royals vs Giants best bet: Under 8.0 (-110 at William Hill)
San Francisco Giants right-hander Hayden Birdsong will make his first start of the season Tuesday after spinning a 2.31 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 4.30 xFIP across 21 1/3 innings out of relief to start the campaign.
The 23-year-old righty has topped out with 65 pitches across three innings through his 11 appearances this season, and he sports a career 4.75 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 4.21 xFIP over his 16 career starts the past two seasons.
I anticipate a smooth starting debut and Birdsong to be on a pitch count tonight.
The Kansas City Royals rank 26th in wOBA and 24th in ISO against righties, and they’ve averaged a miniscule 3.31 runs per game, after all.
Royals starter Michael Lorenzen has also pitched well this season with a 3.76, 1.23 and 4.17 line, and he’s allowed three runs or fewer in six of nine starts.
The Giants are a middling offense against righties with a 15th-ranked wOBA and 16-ranked ISO.
Additionally, while the wind is forecasted to be blowing out at a healthy clip to right field at Oracle Park tonight, it’s built into this total. And, the Royals have played to the Under in 29 of their past 41 games (+16.95 Units / 37% ROI).
Royals vs Giants same-game parlay (SGP)
Under 8.5
Bobby Witt Jr. 2+ hits, runs, and RBI
Mike Yastrzemski 2+ hits, runs, and RBI
Royals star Witt has been a force against right-handed arms with a .411 wOBA, .261 ISO and .978 OPS dating back to last season, and he enters Sunday’s game ripe for a breakout game. The go-to shortstop is mired in a 4-for-23 stretch at the dish with just a single run and no RBI despite three of his four hits going for extra bases.
San Fran leadoff man Mike Yastrzemski is also off to a solid start against righties with a .375, .170 and .854 line, and he’s also in a bit of a mini funk with a 2-for-12 stretch through his past five games.
Of course, we’re also landing a nice multiplier for this same-game parlay because the two Overs are uncorrelated legs with the game total Under.
Royals vs Giants odds
Royals vs Giants live odds
Royals vs Giants opening odds
- Moneyline: Kansas City +125 | San Francisco -150
- Run line: Kansas City +1.5 (-170) | San Francisco -1.5 (+145)
- Over/Under: Over 8 (-105) | Under 8 (-115)
Royals vs Giants trend
The Kansas City Royals have hit the Under in 29 of their last 41 games (+16.95 Units / 37% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Royals vs. Giants.
How to watch Royals vs Giants and game info
| Location | Oracle Park, San Francisco, cA |
| Date | Tuesday, 5-20-2025 |
| First pitch | 9:45 p.m. ET |
| TV | FDSNKC, NBCSBA |
| Royals starting pitcher | Michael Lorenzen (3-4, 3.76 ERA) |
| Giants starting pitcher | Hayden Birdsong (1-0, 2.31 ERA) |
Royals vs Giants latest injuries
Royals vs Giants weather
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