Preview, predictions, and expert picks for Kansas City Royals vs. Philadelphia Phillies on Friday, August 4.
- Date & Time: Friday, August 4, 7:05 P.M. Eastern
- Moneyline: Kansas City Royals (+185) vs. Philadelphia Phillies (-225)
- Runline: Royals +1.5 (+100)/Phillies -1.5 (-120)
- Total: Over 9 (-110)/Under 9.5 (-110)
- Where: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA
- Weather: 74 degrees, cloudy, 40% chance of rain
Royals vs. Phillies: Preview and Picks
The Royals’ struggles this season are well documented, but a strong showing against the Mets earlier this week gives them a little confidence as they head into Philadelphia for a three-game series with the defending National League champions.
The Phillies are big favorites on Friday night, and here’s why…
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Kansas City Royals Preview
Jordan Lyles picked up only his second win of the season last Saturday against the Minnesota Twins and pitched respectably well.
In fact, Lyles (2-12, 6.15 ERA) showed remarkable improvement over four July starts with a 1-1 and an ERA of 3.86. He’s not going to make any Royals fans forget Bret Saberhagen or other great Kansas City pitchers of the past, but it’s a step in the right direction.
The Kansas City offense is also showing signs of life, averaging 6.8 runs a game over their past five outings. Add it all up and you have the rarest of feats in 2023 – a five-game Royals winning streak (heading into Thursday’s game with the Mets).
Can the good times keep rolling against Philadelphia? It won’t be easy.
Philadelphia Phillies Preview
Aaron Nola (9-7, 4.43 ERA) is your classic pitcher who looks better on a fantasy baseball team than in the stats.
Nola is over a strikeout an inning – a solid feat with 138 innings pitched in 2023 – and has a WHIP of only 1.12.
He arrives off his poorest start of the summer, a four-inning stinker against the Pirates last Saturday where he allowed five runs in a 7-6 loss.
As a team, Philadelphia is off a tough series with the Miami Marlins where each game came down to the final outs, including a 12-inning affair on Wednesday that may rank as one of the Phillies’ toughest losses of 2023.
While the struggles of SS Trea Turner and OF Bryce Harper are the big story on offense, the bottom of the Phillies order is quietly helping keep this team in the playoff race. CF Brandon Marsh has been a revelation at the plate for the Phillies this season, and when this lineup gets hot, they’re a force to be reckoned with.
Kansas City Royals vs. Philadelphia Phillies Prediction
This can go one of two ways – Nola exhibits the talent that has him annually in consideration for the National League all-star team… or a seemingly overwhelmed offense, like Pittsburgh was last week, makes life difficult on the Phillies’ starter.
Either way, I have faith in Philadelphia getting to Lyles a few times in the early going – we just need a little help from the Royals.
Kansas City Royals vs. Philadelphia Phillies Pick for August 4
