Kansas City Royals vs Washington Nationals August 12th 2025
The Washington Nationals will visit the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. The game is set to start at 7:40 PM and will be broadcast on FDSKC. The Nationals have a record of 47-71, placing them fifth in the NL East, while the Royals hold a 59-60 record, ranking third in the AL Central.
The Nationals are coming off a loss and have struggled in their last ten games, with a 3-7 record. Interim manager Miguel Cairo will look to turn things around with the help of hitting coach Darnell Coles and pitching coach Jim Hickey. Meanwhile, the Royals, managed by Matt Quatraro, have been more consistent, going 5-5 in their last ten games. The weather forecast predicts a very hot day with clear skies and a light breeze, making for an interesting evening of baseball.
Nationals vs Royals Key Information
- Sport: Baseball
- Teams: Washington Nationals vs. Kansas City Royals
- Venue: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, MO
- Date: Tuesday, August 12, 2025
- Betting Odds: Nationals +146, Royals -174
The Nationals Can Win If…
The Washington Nationals are coming off a 7-4 loss against the Kansas City Royals. They collected nine hits, including two home runs by Paul DeJong and Josh Bell. James Wood also contributed with two hits and two runs, showcasing his ability to get on base.
Washington’s offense has been a key factor this season. They rank ninth in doubles with 194 and seventh in stolen bases with 99. These stats show their ability to create scoring opportunities and pressure opposing defenses.
Mitchell Parker will be on the mound for the Nationals. Although his ERA is 5.43, he has seven wins this season. If he can find his rhythm, the Nationals have a good chance to take this game.
The Royals Can Win If…
The Kansas City Royals are coming off a solid 7-4 win against the Washington Nationals. Salvador Perez was a key player, hitting a home run and driving in two runs. Kyle Isbel also contributed with a home run, helping the team secure the victory.
The Royals have a strong chance to win with their pitching staff ranking 3rd in ERA at 3.62. Their batting lineup is also effective, with a .244 average, which ranks 11th in the league. The team is 4th in doubles, showing they can create scoring opportunities.
Michael Wacha will start for the Royals with an ERA of 3.36. His performance on the mound could be a game-changer. With players like Bobby Witt Jr. and Maikel Garcia consistently contributing, the Royals have the tools to secure another win.
The Lean
The Royals are favored with a moneyline of -174. The Nationals are at +146. My model projects the Royals to win with a score of 5-3. The Royals have a better pitching staff, ranked 3rd in ERA compared to the Nationals’ 29th. This gives them an edge in the game.
The total for the game is set at 9.0 runs. My model projects a total of 8 runs. Both teams have average hitting stats, and the Royals’ strong pitching should keep the score low. I recommend taking the under 9.0 at -120.
Royals Look to Keep Streak Alive Against Nationals
The Kansas City Royals are aiming to extend their dominance over the Washington Nationals as the clubs meet Tuesday night in the second game of their three-game series. Kansas City has won five straight against Washington dating back to 2023 and hopes another victory can spark a late-season surge toward an American League wild-card spot.
Currently one game under .500, the Royals are chasing three teams in the standings. They have not strung together more than four consecutive wins since their 16-2 run from April 20 to May 9, making this series a valuable opportunity to regain momentum.
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Royals Take Series Opener Behind Late Power
Kansas City returned from a 4-5 road trip with a 7-4 home win on Monday. Salvador Perez tied the game with a two-run homer in the sixth inning before Kyle Isbel launched a go-ahead two-run shot later in the frame. The Royals have now won three straight at home and six of their last eight at Kauffman Stadium.
Perez has made a habit of producing against National League opponents, with 14 of his 21 home runs this season coming in interleague play. Isbel, known primarily for his defense, has caught fire in August, batting .394 (13-for-33) with seven RBIs in nine games. Adam Frazier also remains hot, going 7-for-9 in his last two contests.
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Starting Pitching Matchup
Michael Wacha (6-9, 3.36 ERA) will get the ball for Kansas City. The veteran right-hander has been in excellent form lately, going 2-0 with a 1.78 ERA over his last five starts. In his most recent outing, he allowed two early runs at Boston but settled in to throw five scoreless innings with no walks in a 7-3 victory.
Wacha has a 4-2 record with a 3.02 ERA in eight career appearances against the Nationals, but his last three starts versus Washington have been rough, yielding a 7.62 ERA. Nationals slugger Josh Bell has taken him deep twice in past meetings.
For Washington, Mitchell Parker (7-12, 5.43 ERA) looks to rebound from a rocky August, where he is 0-2 with a 12.00 ERA. He surrendered four runs in five innings during a loss to Oakland last Thursday. Parker did find success in his lone career outing against Kansas City last September, tossing five scoreless frames in a 1-0, 10-inning loss.
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Nationals’ Offensive Standouts
Paul DeJong has been one of Washington’s hottest bats, going 7-for-14 with two home runs and five RBIs in his last three games. Bell also homered Monday and remains a power threat in the middle of the lineup.
Despite their recent offensive spark, the Nationals have struggled to sustain momentum, and facing a locked-in Wacha on the road will be a stiff challenge. For bettors tracking trends, check the updated results and stats at the Game Results page.
Betting Outlook
Kansas City’s home success, combined with Wacha’s recent dominance, positions the Royals as a likely favorite. Parker’s recent struggles could open the door for the Royals’ offense to post another big night.
Those considering player props may look at Perez for home run potential against the lefty Parker, Isbel to continue his hot August, or Frazier to notch multiple hits.
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