Royals vs Diamondbacks predictions
Keep your eyes on Kansas City’s infield if you’re tuning into this one. Maikel Garcia, who’s been one of the Royals’ most consistent hitters, should be right in the thick of things again—expect him to find his way on base a time or two, maybe scoring and driving in a run along the way. Vinnie Pasquantino’s combination of power and contact has made him a steady run producer, so don’t be surprised if he sends a ball over the fence or at least drives in a couple. And let’s not overlook Bobby Witt Jr., whose speed and knack for extra-base hits could give Arizona’s pitching fits. Michael Wacha gets the start on the mound, and with the way he's been throwing lately, a solid five innings and around four strikeouts feels completely within reach for him.
Switching over to the Diamondbacks, their lineup packs a punch and they’ve shown they can get things done at the plate—third in the MLB for runs scored says plenty. Josh Naylor stands out as someone to watch, as he's been piling up hits and can drive in runs anywhere in the order. Ketel Marte brings a nice mix of contact and power and could easily grab a couple of hits and cross the plate himself. If you’re a fan of a well-rounded offense, Arizona’s mix of guys like Lourdes Gurriel and Geraldo Perdomo means there’s potential for steady traffic on the bases. On the bump, Ryne Nelson profiles as a reliable starter who could give them nearly six good innings and keep the damage limited, which is handy for a team hungry for a win at home.
So who’s got the edge with all this talent on display? Given the Diamondbacks’ dynamic offense and their ability to draw walks and keep the scoreboard moving, I like their chances tonight at Chase Field, even though that home losing streak has been nagging. The Royals have some exciting bats and Michael Wacha is certainly capable, but Arizona’s overall lineup depth—and a slight edge in pitching—might just prove to be the difference this time out. Don’t be surprised if the Snakes finally snap that streak and give the home crowd something to cheer about.
