Baltimore Orioles vs Kansas City Royals Picks and Predictions May 3rd 2025

Ryan O’Hearn Powers Orioles in Emotional Rematch Against Royals | 5 Key Takeaways

The Baltimore Orioles leaned on Ryan O’Hearn’s bat and elite pitching to secure a 3-0 shutout over the Kansas City Royals on Friday night at Camden Yards. In a game full of underlying storylines, including O’Hearn facing his former team, the Orioles showed signs of heating up just as May kicks off.

Here are the five biggest storylines from Friday’s matchup and what to expect in Saturday’s rematch.

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1. Ryan O’Hearn’s Big Hit Comes With Quiet Emotion

Ryan O’Hearn, now a Baltimore slugger, drilled a two-run homer in the seventh inning that proved to be the game-winner. Though the long ball came against his former team, O’Hearn remained humble.

“Hitting home runs are fun,” said O’Hearn. “It doesn’t mean any more for me hitting it against the Royals.”

His composure underscores the professionalism he’s brought to Baltimore’s lineup. But make no mistake—O’Hearn’s contribution is more than emotional; he’s become a consistent run producer.

2. Orioles Eye Momentum Shift in May

With Friday’s victory, the Orioles have now won four of their last eleven games. While that record might not impress on the surface, team morale suggests brighter days ahead.

“Turn the page,” O’Hearn said. “I have a feeling we’re about to get hot. It’s going to be a fun month and a fun summer.”

Manager Brandon Hyde echoed those sentiments, noting the growing energy in the clubhouse and improved play from the bullpen. Don’t miss out on our Daily Baseball Picks from MLB Expert Handicappers

3. Kremer, Bautista, and the Pitching Staff Shine

Dean Kremer delivered a strong start, silencing the Royals’ bats and allowing only four hits across several innings. Closer Felix Bautista capped the night with a flawless ninth, showcasing improved velocity and pitch command.

“The fastball velo is ticking up,” said Hyde. “The command is just getting better.”

That bodes well for Baltimore, which has relied heavily on its bullpen in tight contests this season.

4. Royals Struggle Offensively But Stay Confident

Despite their recent 9-1 run prior to Friday’s loss, the Royals couldn’t solve Kremer or Bautista. They managed just four hits—two apiece from Freddy Fermin and Michael Massey—while Bobby Witt Jr.’s 22-game hitting streak came to an end with an 0-for-4 night.

Still, Kansas City isn’t panicking.

“There’s no doubt that this thing is going to get rolling,” said first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino.

Manager Matt Quatraro remains optimistic, even with Salvador Perez nursing a sore hip. Fermin stepped in admirably, but Perez’s presence looms large.

5. Pitching Preview: Sugano vs. Bubic in Game 2

Saturday night’s rematch features an intriguing pitching duel.

• Orioles: Tomoyuki Sugano (3-1, 3.00 ERA), who limited the Royals to one run in April and earned his first MLB win.
• Royals: Kris Bubic (2-2, 2.25 ERA), who has a stellar 2.82 career ERA against Baltimore and hopes to rebound from a shaky start against Houston.

Both teams will look to lean on their starters to set the tone early, especially as their offenses try to establish momentum.

Injury Watch: Ramón Urías and Salvador Perez

The Orioles scratched infielder Ramón Urías late due to a hamstring issue. While not considered serious, his availability for Saturday remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Royals veteran catcher Salvador Perez missed Friday’s game with a sore hip but is not expected to be sidelined for long.

Final Thoughts: Orioles Heating Up, Royals Still Believing

Friday’s shutout win showcased Baltimore’s strengths: timely hitting, clutch pitching, and a growing sense of belief. Ryan O’Hearn’s bat has emerged as a difference-maker, especially against his former squad. Meanwhile, Kansas City faces questions about consistency but remains confident in its core.

As Saturday’s matchup looms, all eyes will be on whether Baltimore can maintain the momentum—or if Kansas City strikes back behind Bubic’s left arm.