Kansas City Royals vs St. Louis Cardinals Picks and Predictions May 18th 2025

Wacha vs. Cardinals Again: Royals Hope Ace Halts Losing Skid

The Kansas City Royals are turning to the one man who has consistently delivered when it matters most—Michael Wacha—as they attempt to end a four-game losing streak and salvage the finale of a three-game series against the red-hot St. Louis Cardinals.

First pitch is scheduled for Sunday afternoon at Kauffman Stadium, with Wacha hoping to remain unbeaten against his former team.

Michael Wacha: St. Louis’ Old Friend, Now Their Nemesis

Michael Wacha (3-4, 2.96 ERA) spent the first seven seasons of his career in St. Louis, earning 2013 NLCS MVP honors and an All-Star nod in 2015. But since leaving, he’s turned into a consistent force against the Cardinals:

• Record vs. STL post-departure: 4-0
• ERA vs. STL: 2.96
• 2-0 vs. Cardinals in 2023 with Kansas City

Now 33, Wacha has been in dominant form recently, logging three wins in his last four starts, each a quality outing. In his latest appearance, he went 6 1/3 innings, allowing just two earned runs on eight hits in a 7-5 win over Houston.

“I just want to stay aggressive and make quality pitches,” Wacha said postgame.

The Royals are leaning on him heavily, with their season-high 16-2 stretch now a distant memory.

Cardinals On Fire, Seek Seventh Sweep of Season

The St. Louis Cardinals (25-20) come into Sunday winners of 12 of their last 13 games. After dropping to 13-19 in late April, they’ve surged back into contention in the NL Central.

On Saturday, Jordan Walker provided the game’s only run with a solo homer, and Miles Mikolas tossed six shutout innings. The bullpen followed with three perfect frames to seal a 1-0 win.

“Guys are just showing up with the mindset to win,” said Sunday’s starter Matthew Liberatore, who praised the team’s chemistry and recent pitching execution.

Liberatore Seeks Revenge, Faces Royals in First Career Start

Matthew Liberatore (3-3, 3.11 ERA) has found a rhythm after some inconsistency last season. He’s allowed two or fewer runs in six straight appearances, including 5 1/3 innings of two-run ball against the Phillies in his last outing.

He’s shown improved command of the strike zone and movement on both sides of the plate.

• Vs. Royals (Career): 1-0, 5.79 ERA (in relief)
• 2024 ERA: 3.11
• WHIP: 1.14

Sunday will mark his first start vs. Kansas City, offering a real test as the Royals try to break their offensive drought.

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Kansas City’s Bats Need a Wake-Up Call

The Royals have scored just 16 runs during their 1-6 stretch and were shut out Saturday for the third time in nine games.

Catcher Salvador Perez has homered off Liberatore in the past but is just 1-for-21 in his last five games. Kansas City is batting just .216 during the slump, and while Vinnie Pasquantino (.315 over his last 13 games) has stayed hot, much of the lineup is cold.

Pasquantino’s attitude remains upbeat: “You just approach every day as new and try to put up a crooked number any way you can.”

Key Matchups and Player Stats

• Michael Wacha vs. STL (Career): 4-0, 2.96 ERA
• Nolan Arenado vs. Wacha: 9-for-19, 4 HRs
• Willson Contreras vs. Wacha: 4-for-18, 2 HRs
• Ivan Herrera (STL): .413 AVG in last 14 games
• Royals Record in Last 7: 1-6
• Cardinals Record in Last 13: 12-1
• Royals Batting AVG (Last 7): .216

What’s at Stake?

• For the Royals: A chance to avoid a sweep, stop a tailspin, and keep pace in the competitive AL Central.
• For the Cardinals: Continued momentum and another series sweep to close May strong.

With Berrios vs. Jobe in Toronto and Wacha vs. Liberatore in Kansas City, Sunday’s slate is stacked with storylines.

FAQs

Who is starting for the Royals Sunday?
Michael Wacha (3-4, 2.96 ERA), unbeaten against the Cardinals since leaving in 2019.

What’s Liberatore’s record this season?
Liberatore is 3-3 with a 3.11 ERA and has been lights-out in May.

What happened Saturday?
The Cardinals won 1-0 behind Jordan Walker’s homer and six scoreless innings from Mikolas.

How has Nolan Arenado hit vs. Wacha?
He’s 9-for-19 with 4 homers—Wacha must pitch him carefully.

Where can I bet on this game?
Check out prop lines, strikeout totals, and more on our MLB Odds Page.