In this article, we will formulate a Royals vs Diamondbacks prediction for this MLB game on Friday, July 4, at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this MLB matchup.

Kansas City Royals Betting Preview

The Kansas City Royals (41-47, 21-23 Away) are struggling in this part of the season, as they have failed to win in the last four series. Following losses to the San Diego Padres, Tampa Bay Rays (in a sweep), and Los Angeles Dodgers, the Royals managed to split with the Seattle Mariners on the road. Kansas City faced another series loss but edged out Seattle 3-2 in Game 4 on Thursday. Vinnie Pasquantino led the offense with two RBI, while Seth Lugo got the win after allowing one run on six hits with seven strikeouts and two walks across 6.1 innings of work.

This season, the Royals average 3.30 runs per game (30th in the MLB) on a .242/.298/.362 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Royals’ staff has a 3.48 ERA (4th) and 1.22 WHIP (7th). Vinnie Pasquantino leads the Royals with a .266 batting average, 12 home runs, and 49 RBI this season.

Kris Bunic will take the mound for the Royals on Friday. The 27-year-old left-hander has a 6-6 record in 16 starts this year with a 2.25 ERA and 1.13 WHIP in 96.0 innings.

Arizona Diamondbacks Betting Preview

The Arizona Diamondbacks (43-44, 22-23 Home) were surprisingly swept by the Miami Marlins at home, and although they bounced back with a pair of wins over the San Francisco Giants, they failed to win that series as the Giants fought back and earned a split. In Game 4 on Thursday, the D-backs suffered a 7-2 defeat. Brandon Pfaadt took the loss after allowing four runs on six hits with eight strikeouts and two walks in 6.0 innings.

This year, the Diamondbacks average 5.18 runs per game (3rd in the MLB) on a .254/.328/.449 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Diamondbacks’ staff has a 4.73 ERA (25th) and 1.33 WHIP (22nd). Eugenio Suarez leads the Diamondbacks with a .250 batting average, 27 home runs, and 70 RBI this season.

The projected starting pitcher for the Diamondbacks is Eduardo Rodriguez, who is 3-4 in 14 starts this season, with a 5.13 ERA and 1.56 WHIP in 72.0 innings.

Why the Diamondbacks will beat the Royals

The Diamondbacks have won each of their last five night games against AL Central opponents.
The Royals have lost five of their last six games against National League opponents following a win.
The Royals have failed to cover the run line each of their last six Friday games against NL West opponents that held a losing record.
The Diamondbacks have covered the run line in five of their last six night games against American League opponents.

Total Runs Facts

Each of the Diamondbacks’ last six games as favorites have gone OVER the total runs line.
Four of the Royals’ last five games against NL West opponents have gone UNDER the total runs line.
The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in seven of the Diamondbacks’ last eight games as favorites against American League opponents.
The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Royals’ last four night games against National League opponents.

Matchup/League Facts

The Diamondbacks rank 3rd in the league for home runs this season (130).
The Diamondbacks rank 3rd in the league for doubles this season (152).
The Royals rank 30th in the league for walks this season (215).
The Royals rank 29th in the league for RBIs this season (286).

Royals vs Diamondbacks Prediction

The Diamondbacks won seven of the previous ten H2H encounters, including three of the last four. I am backing the hosts to get this one as well, because of in-form Eduardo Rodriguez, who has been lights out in June, posting a fantastic 1.98 ERA. Rodriguez had certain problems earlier in the season and struggled with control, but it all came together recently. He allowed seven runs in his last five starts. Kris Bubic, on the other hand, was one of the early AL Cy Young Award candidates who experienced the best month of his career in May, came back down to earth in June, posting a 4.23 ERA. Bubic surrendered multiple runs in each of his previous four starts, and I am backing one of the best offensive teams in the MLB to get to him early on Friday. Go with the D-backs.

Oliver Zivic's Pick: Diamondbacks ML