Cleveland Guardians vs Kansas City Royals September 11th 2025
The Kansas City Royals will visit the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. The Royals have a record of 74-72 and are ranked third in the AL Central. They recently ended a losing streak with a win and have gone 4-6 in their last ten games.
The Guardians hold a record of 74-71, sitting second in the AL Central. They are coming off a loss but have a stronger recent performance, going 6-4 in their last ten games. The game will be played on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 7:15 PM, and will be broadcast on FOX.
Royals vs Guardians Key Information
- Sport: Baseball
- Teams: Kansas City Royals vs. Cleveland Guardians
- Venue: Progressive Field in Cleveland, OH
- Date: Thursday, September 11, 2025
- Betting Odds: Royals Moneyline +119, Guardians Moneyline -141, Royals Runline +1.5 (-183), Guardians Runline -1.5 (+152), Total Over 8.0 (-104), Total Under 8.0 (-120)
The Royals Can Win If…
The Kansas City Royals are coming off a narrow 4-3 win against the Cleveland Guardians. Maikel Garcia and Bobby Witt Jr. were key players, each getting two hits. Jonathan Bowlan started the game, pitching two innings and striking out three batters.
The Royals have a strong chance to win due to their pitching and hitting stats. They rank fourth in earned run average (3.67) and batting average against (.240). Their ability to hit doubles is also a strength, ranking fourth with 255 doubles this season.
Bobby Witt Jr. and Vinnie Pasquantino are key players to watch. Witt Jr. has a batting average of .295 and 21 home runs. Pasquantino leads the team with 29 home runs and 100 RBIs, making him a crucial player in the lineup.
The Guardians Can Win If…
The Cleveland Guardians are coming off a narrow 4-3 loss to the Kansas City Royals. Despite the loss, Kyle Manzardo showed power with a home run and two RBIs. Brayan Rocchio contributed with two hits, keeping the Guardians competitive throughout the game.
The Guardians’ pitching has been strong this season, with an ERA of 3.87, ranking 11th in the league. Their starter for the next game, Gavin Williams, has an impressive ERA of 3.17 and a record of 10-5. This solid pitching foundation gives the Guardians a good chance to limit the Royals’ offense.
Offensively, José Ramírez is a key player for the Guardians with a batting average of .287 and 28 home runs. His consistent performance can spark the lineup and drive in runs. With players like Ramírez and Manzardo leading the charge, the Guardians have the potential to outscore the Royals in their upcoming game.
The Lean
The Cleveland Guardians are favored with a moneyline of -141 against the Kansas City Royals, who are at +119. The Guardians have a better pitching staff with a 3.67 ERA, ranking 4th in the league. My model projects the Guardians to win with a score of 5-3, so the recommendation is to pick the Guardians to win straight up.
The total for the game is set at 8.0 runs, with the over at -104 and the under at -120. The Royals have a lower batting average and rank 20th in the league, which might limit their scoring opportunities. My model projects a total score of 8 runs, so the recommendation is to take the under at 8.0 runs.
Royals End Losing Streak and Keep Wild Card Hopes Alive
The Kansas City Royals kept their postseason chase alive with a much-needed 4-3 comeback win over the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday. The victory snapped a three-game skid that had threatened to derail their playoff push and gave Kansas City renewed life in the American League wild-card race.
With the season winding down, every matchup carries postseason implications, and bettors tracking these games can find updated insights and MLB picks to guide their wagers.
Royals Celebrate Rookie’s First Win
The win also served as a milestone for rookie reliever Luinder Avila, who picked up his first major league victory with two scoreless innings out of the bullpen. The Royals celebrated in style, dousing him with a traditional beer shower that reflected both relief and unity inside the clubhouse.
Reliever Lucas Erceg emphasized the importance of blocking out the noise and staying focused as Kansas City continues its pursuit of a wild card spot. For more team breakdowns and upcoming matchups, visit the MLB previews section
Thursday’s Pitching Matchup: Kolek vs. Williams
Thursday’s series finale in Cleveland will feature a strong pitching duel. Kansas City turns to Stephen Kolek, who has impressed since being acquired at the trade deadline, posting a 2.08 ERA in two starts. The Guardians counter with Gavin Williams, their 6-foot-6 ace who has been dominant this summer, going 5-1 with a 2.24 ERA in his last 11 outings.
Fans and bettors can lean on expert insights from the MLB betting guide when assessing how these matchups may unfold.
Guardians Face Bullpen Issues
The Guardians saw their five-game winning streak end when reliever Tim Herrin allowed two runs in the seventh inning Wednesday. Despite his struggles this season, manager Stephen Vogt defended the decision to use him in a high-leverage spot, citing Herrin’s track record.
Cleveland has also leaned on Brayan Rocchio, who has rebounded since his July recall and provided steady production at the plate. These developments matter for anyone tracking postseason races, and those interested in adding expert analysis to their wagers can explore available buy picks
Wild Card Race Tightens
The Guardians (74-71) and Royals (74-72) remain just behind the Seattle Mariners in the standings, with the Texas Rangers also chasing. Each loss or win takes on added weight as September unfolds. For bettors looking at which handicappers are delivering consistent results in these critical late-season matchups, check the leaderboard of top experts
With postseason spots on the line, every series finale carries playoff-like tension. Fans can follow the latest outcomes and stats through the MLB results page