Kansas City
Royals
Moneyline
+158
MLB Predictions
Kansas City Royals vs Pittsburgh Pirates Predictions
Friday, September 18, 2026 at 6:40pm EST
@
Pittsburgh
Pirates
Moneyline
-193
10%
90%
Spread
Kansas City Royals +1.5
Pittsburgh Pirates -1.5
Moneyline
Kansas City Royals +158
Pittsburgh Pirates -193
Total
Over 8.5 (-105)
Under 8.5 (-114)
Professional Picks
3 listed
Professional Picks On This Game
Pirates vs. Royals Prediction: Pittsburgh Gets the Pick, Moneyline Is a Pass
Analysis updated September 18, 2026 at 5:02 AM CDT
The Pirates have scored 89 more runs than the Royals, but probable Kansas City starter Randy Dobnak brings a 2.73 ERA into the matchup.
Pittsburgh’s offense gives it the edge
Pittsburgh’s advantage at the plate makes it the pick to beat Kansas City on Friday at PNC Park. CBS Sports lists the Pirates with 730 runs and a .330 on-base percentage, compared with 641 runs and a .315 mark for the Royals. SPF prices Pittsburgh at -184 and Kansas City at +151.
The probable pitching matchup offers a less clear advantage. CBS Sports lists Paul Skenes for Pittsburgh with a 3.78 ERA and 185 strikeouts in 162 innings. Kansas City’s Randy Dobnak has a 2.73 ERA and 47 strikeouts in 69⅓ innings. Skenes has struck hitters out at a higher rate over a larger workload, while Dobnak has allowed fewer earned runs per nine innings. Neither starter is confirmed.
Betting view: Pass
At -184, Pittsburgh needs to win about 64.8% of the time to break even. The offensive edge supports choosing the Pirates as the likely winner, but these season numbers don't establish that they clear that threshold. Pass on the moneyline; that uncertainty alone doesn't make Kansas City worth betting.
SPF lists a total of 8, with over -104 and under -116. Without confirmed lineups or a clearer picture of bullpen availability, there's no supported total bet or exact-score prediction.
Pick
Pittsburgh Pirates
Confidence
low
Betting lean
Pass