Dodgers vs Royals predictions
If you’re watching the Los Angeles Dodgers, there’s no ignoring the star power in their lineup—and you know Shohei Ohtani will be at the center of the action, both at the plate and potentially on the mound. Ohtani's been on a tear lately, and I expect him to keep raking with at least one long ball, a handful of hits, and plenty of traffic on the bases. Will Smith is another name to watch; his .319 average tells you he’s as consistent as they come, so a multi-hit game feels pretty likely. And let’s not forget Mookie Betts—his speed and knack for getting on base could translate to a couple of runs scored and a sneaky extra-base hit or two. With Freddie Freeman and Teoscar Hernandez adding some serious depth, the Dodgers lineup just looks relentless.
For the Kansas City Royals, the spotlight is on young Bobby Witt Jr., who’s shown steady power and the ability to get on base. I think he’ll notch at least a hit and could be a threat on the basepaths, especially if he gets on early. Maikel Garcia's an on-base machine himself, and he’s due for a couple of solid at-bats, likely turning one into a single and maybe even a stolen base if he gets the jump. Salvador Perez, with his clutch DNA, feels primed to knock in a run or two with runners in scoring position and keep the Royals in the mix. Plus, with Seth Lugo on the mound, the Royals have a starter who can keep things close for a while if he gets a little help defensively.
Looking at both sides, it’s tough to bet against the Dodgers’ combination of elite pitching and firepower at the plate, especially rolling in on a five-game road win streak. Their lineup is just so deep right now, and with Ohtani leading the charge, I see Los Angeles putting up early runs and setting the tone at Kauffman Stadium. The Royals should do enough to keep things interesting, but with the Dodgers playing this well, I’d expect them to extend that streak and walk away with another win. Baseball’s all about momentum, and right now, LA has all of it.