The Pittsburgh Pirates (70-76) welcome the Kansas City Royals (80-67) to PNC Park on Friday for the first game of a 3-game series. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET. Let’s check out BetMGM Sportsbook’s MLB odds around the Royals vs Pirates Opportunities and place your best bets with our expert MLB tips and predictions.

Season Series: First meeting; Pirates won all 3 meetings in 2023

The Royals, who are ranked second in the AL Central, lost to the New York Yankees 4-3 on Wednesday as a +129 underdog. Kansas City has lost 2 of 3 games against the Yankees, but previously defeated the Minnesota Twins in a 3-game series. They are 5-9 in their last 14 games. Kansas City has a 35-37 road record and an 82-65 against record (ATS).

The Pirates are on a 4-game winning streak after sweeping the Miami Marlins in their last series. They won the finale of that home series on Wednesday, 3-1, and entered the match as -143 favorites. Pittsburgh is 7-3 in its last 10 games and 37-38 at home this season. It is 79-67 ATS.

Expected starters for Royals and Pirates

Draw vs. RHP Luis Ortiz

Given the high odds and the lack of a starting pitcher for Kansas City, it is not expected that the game’s odds will be greatly influenced by who and when the Royals put on the mound at the start of the game.

Ortiz (6-5, 3.26 ERA) is making his 13th start and 35th appearance. He has a 1.11 WHIP, 2.8 BB/9 and 6.8 K/9 in 118 2/3 IP.

• Last start: No decision, 5 2/3 IP, 3 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 2 K in the 5-3 home loss to the Washington Nationals on Saturday
• Home stats 2024: 2-2, 3.65 ERA (61 2/3 IP, 25 ER), 1.14 WHIP, 5.7 K/9 in 17 appearances (6 starts)
• Career vs. Royals: 1-0, 1.80 ERA (5 IP, 1 ER), 1.00 WHIP, 9.0 K/9 in 1 start

Who goes yard? Here is a breakdown of today’s best home run props with our top picks. These include the BetMGM Bonus Code SBWIRE receives an offer of $1,500 for his first bet.

Royals at Pirates odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; visit the USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds Hub for a complete list of MLB odds. Odds last updated at 6:36 a.m. ET.

• Moneyline (ML): Royals +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Pirates -130 (bet $130 to win $100)
• Running Line (RL)/Against the Spread (ATS): Royals -1.5 (+170) | Pirates +1.5 (-210)
• Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

Tips and predictions for Royals at Pirates

forecast

Pirates 5, Royals 3

Money line

BET PIRATES (-130).

The Pirates are in good shape and Ortiz is one of their best options to start. He has been solid for the Pirates and they have a 2-1 record in his last 3 starts, allowing just 8 total runs in those 3 games.

The Royals have had an inconsistent performance so far. From August 28th to September 3rd, they had a 7-game losing streak followed by 4 straight wins. After losing 2 of their last 3 games, they could continue to struggle on Friday. Kansas City has a 19-28 record as an away underdog.

Take PIRATES (-130).

Running Line/Against the Spread

HAPPEN.

There isn’t much value here. The Pirates are way too expensive as underdogs and not worth playing, and the Royals aren’t worth the risk as favorites. Avoid this bet.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 8.5 (-115).

The Royals have played under in 6 of their last 7 games and have allowed 0 runs in 3 of their last 6 games. Kansas City has scored 5 or fewer runs in every game (13 games) since August 27. The season record is 66-77-4 O/U.

The Pirates have lost Under in 2 of their last 3 games. Pittsburgh has also lost Under in Ortiz’s last 5 games. Back UNDER 8.5 (-115).

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play Now!

More tips and recommendations for sports bettingcheck out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X And like us on Facebook.

Fantasy Baseball Help from BaseballHQ.com:
Subscribe now to dominate the competition.