Philadelphia Phillies vs Kansas City Royals September 12th 2025
The Kansas City Royals visit the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on Friday, September 12, 2025. The game is set to start at 6:45 PM and will air on FDSKC. The weather forecast predicts a warm day with clear skies, making it a pleasant evening for baseball.
The Royals come into this game with a record of 74-73 and are ranked third in the AL Central. They have lost their last game and are 4-6 in their last ten. The Phillies, with an 87-60 record, lead the NL East and have won their last four games. They hold an impressive 8-2 record over their last ten games. Starting pitchers for this matchup are Michael Lorenzen for the Royals and Walker Buehler for the Phillies.
Royals vs Phillies Key Information
- Sport: Baseball
- Teams: Kansas City Royals vs. Philadelphia Phillies
- Venue: Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, PA
- Date: Friday, September 12, 2025
- Betting Odds: Royals Moneyline +112, Phillies Moneyline -134, Royals Runline +1.5 (-187), Phillies Runline -1.5 (+155), Total Over 9.0 (-115), Total Under 9.0 (-106)
Royals vs Phillies Picks and Predictions
The Kansas City Royals travel to Citizens Bank Park to take on the Philadelphia Phillies in an interleague matchup on Friday night. Kansas City is trying to claw back into the AL wild-card picture, while Philadelphia is red-hot and closing in on the NL East crown.
The Royals Can Win If…
Kansas City may have lost three of four to the Guardians, including a 3-2 heartbreaker Thursday, but their formula for success remains clear. Strong pitching keeps them alive. Stephen Kolek tossed 6 2/3 innings of one-run ball in that game, showing the Royals’ rotation depth.
Statistically, the Royals bring weapons. Their 3.67 ERA ranks 4th in MLB, making them one of the toughest staffs to crack. On the hitting side, they are tied for 4th with 256 doubles, showing they can exploit gaps rather than rely solely on the long ball.
Bobby Witt Jr. and Vinnie Pasquantino are the stars to watch. Witt is hitting .293 with 91 runs scored, while Pasquantino has mashed 30 homers and driven in 102 RBIs. If Tarik Skubal’s presence isn’t felt here, then Michael Lorenzen will need to replicate his earlier-season efficiency, keeping the Phillies’ bats in check long enough for Witt and Pasquantino to do damage.
The Phillies Can Win If…
The Phillies are riding serious momentum. Thursday’s 6-4 win over the Mets completed a four-game sweep, led by Jesús Luzardo striking out 10 and retiring 22 straight batters. Philadelphia has gone 7-1 in its last eight games, and the lineup continues to fire on all cylinders.
Offensively, the Phillies rank 2nd in batting average (.260) and 3rd in OBP (.329), with 184 home runs on the year. Kyle Schwarber (50 HR) and Bryce Harper provide the muscle, while Otto Kemp adds production in clutch spots. With that balance, this offense rarely goes quiet.
On the mound, Walker Buehler makes his Phillies debut. He struggled with Boston earlier this season (5.45 ERA), but if his command is there, Philadelphia’s deep bullpen and strikeout-heavy staff (2nd in MLB with 1,346 Ks) should take care of the rest. The Phillies have been lethal at home, and Buehler’s presence only adds to their upside.
Key Matchup Stats
Category | Royals | Phillies |
---|---|---|
Team ERA | 3.67 (4th) | 3.98 (11th) |
Batting Avg | .246 (14th) | .260 (2nd) |
On-Base % | .306 (18th) | .329 (3rd) |
Home Runs | 171 (17th) | 184 (8th) |
Doubles | 256 (4th) | 228 (13th) |
The Lean
The Phillies open as -134 favorites, with the Royals at +112 underdogs. Given Philadelphia’s current form, hot bats, and Buehler’s debut in front of a playoff-like crowd, the edge goes to the home team. Projected score: Phillies 5, Royals 3.
The total sits at 9.0 runs. While Kansas City’s pitching staff ranks top-5 in ERA, the Phillies’ offense can break games open. That said, the Royals’ bats aren’t explosive enough to push this game too high. The projection lands at 8 runs, making the under 9 (-106) the recommended play.
Series Outlook
Philadelphia (87-60) has a magic number of five to clinch the NL East and is only two games behind Milwaukee for the top NL seed. Kansas City (74-73), meanwhile, has faded in the AL wild-card chase after losing four of five.
The storylines are clear: Walker Buehler’s debut, the Phillies’ push toward October, and Kansas City’s last-gasp attempt to stay alive. Expect Citizens Bank Park to feel like playoff baseball this weekend. For more daily previews and betting breakdowns, check out the full MLB picks section.