Pittsburgh Pirates at Kansas City Royals: July 9, 2025 MLB Game Preview

Wednesday, July 9th, 2025

The Pittsburgh Pirates (38-55, fifth in the NL Central) take on the Kansas City Royals (45-48, second in the AL Central) at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. The game is scheduled for 6:40 PM CDT.

Matchup Context

The Pirates are looking to break a seven-game road losing streak as they visit the Royals.

Kansas City holds a 45-48 overall record, including a 22-24 mark at home. The Royals have performed well when limiting home runs, going 26-9 in games where they did not allow one.

Pittsburgh enters with a 38-55 overall record and a challenging 12-34 record on the road. The Pirates have found success when their offense is clicking, holding a 26-14 record in games where they record eight or more hits.

Pitching Matchup

The Pirates are expected to start left-hander Bailey Falter (6-4, 3.69 ERA).

For the Royals, left-hander Kris Bubic (7-6, 2.36 ERA) is the probable starter.

Here are their key stats:

Bailey Falter: 1.18 WHIP, 56 strikeouts

Kris Bubic: 1.15 WHIP, 107 strikeouts

Betting Information

According to oddsmakers, the Royals are favored in this contest.

Moneyline: Royals -201, Pirates +165

Over/Under: 8 1/2 runs

Season Series

This game marks the third meeting between the Pirates and Royals this season.

Key Players to Watch

Royals

Vinnie Pasquantino is a key contributor for the Royals, ranking fourth on the team with 28 extra-base hits, including 15 home runs.

Bobby Witt Jr. has been hot recently, batting 15 for 40 with two doubles, two home runs, and 10 RBI over his last 10 games.

Pirates

Andrew McCutchen leads the Pirates with 14 doubles, adding eight home runs and 31 RBI.

Oneil Cruz has shown power recently, hitting three home runs along with a double over his past 10 games.

Recent Performance (Last 10 Games)

Royals

Record: 6-4

Batting Average: .228

ERA: 3.62

Run Differential: Outscored opponents by 6 runs

Pirates

Record: 5-5

Batting Average: .230

ERA: 2.33

Run Differential: Outscored opponents by 16 runs

Injury Report

Royals Injured Players

Cole Ragans

Mark Canha

Daniel Lynch

Michael Massey

Hunter Harvey

Alec Marsh

James McArthur

Pirates Injured Players

Chase Shugart

Ryan Borucki

Endy Rodriguez

Enmanuel Valdez

Justin Lawrence

Tim Mayza

Jared Jones

Johan Oviedo

In summary

The Pittsburgh Pirates and Kansas City Royals are set to play on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, at 6:40 PM CDT. The Pirates hold a 38-55 record, while the Royals are 45-48. The pitching matchup features Bailey Falter for the Pirates and Kris Bubic for the Royals. The Royals are favored according to betting odds, with the over/under set at 8 1/2 runs. The Pirates are currently on a seven-game road losing streak entering this contest, which is the third meeting between the teams this season.

Related Links

• Pittsburgh Pirates News & Updates
• Pittsburgh Pirates Schedule & Scores
• Kansas City Royals News & Updates
• Kansas City Royals Schedule & Scores
• MLB News