Royals vs Pirates Prediction 9/20/2026 Today’s MLB Picks

In this article we will formulate a Royals vs Pirates prediction for this MLB game on Sunday, September 20th at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this MLB matchup. 

Kansas City Royals Betting Preview

The Kansas City Royals are 67-88 this season after they lost the first two games by scores of 5-8 and 5-6. In game two, Kansas City erased a 4-1 deficit and led 5-4 in the seventh, but their bullpen blew the save for the loss. The Royals recorded 13 hits and they committed one error in the game, while they were led by Loftin, who went 4-5 with one RBI. Cameron allowed seven hits and four earned runs over 6.0 innings, while Cruz blew the save for the loss. Prior to this series, Kansas City lost two out of three against the Astros and two out of three against the Red Sox. 

This season, Kansas City has a 4.66 ERA with a 1.39 WHIP and a .259 opponent batting average, while they have scored 653 runs with a .245 batting average and a .315 on base percentage. Jac Caglianone has led the Royals with 23 home runs and 71 RBIs, while Bobby Witt has added 18 home runs and 54 RBIs. The projected starting pitcher for Kansas City is Michael Wacha, who is 9-9 with a 3.34 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP over 188.2 innings pitched this season. 

Pittsburgh Pirates Betting Preview

The Pittsburgh Pirates are 78-77 this year after they won game two by a score of 6-5 last night. Pittsburgh led for the first four innings, but needed two runs in the eighth to escape with the win. The Pirates recorded nine hits and they committed one error in the game, while they were led by Lowe, who went 2-4 with one home run and two RBIs. Chandler allowed eight hits and three earned runs over 4.0 innings, while Weaver got the win in relief. Prior to this series, Pittsburgh lost two out of three against the Brewers and two out of three against the Cubs. 

This season, Pittsburgh has a 4.20 ERA with a 1.30 WHIP and a .238 opponent batting average, while they have scored 744 runs with a .254 batting average and a .331 on base percentage. Brandon Lowe has led the Pirates with 33 home runs and 93 RBIs, while Ryan O’Hearn has added 18 home runs and 73 RBIs. The projected starting pitcher for Pittsburgh is Lake Bachar, who is 1-4 with a 3.50 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP over 82.1 innings pitched this year. 

Why the Pittsburgh Pirates will win

• The Royals have lost each of their last nine road games against NL opponents following a loss.
• The Pirates have won each of their last seven games against AL Central opponents.
• The Royals have failed to cover the run line in five of their last six day games against NL Central opponents that held a winning record.
• The Pirates have covered the run line in four of their last five games against AL opponents.
• The Pirates have led after 3 innings in four of their last five day games against AL opponents that held a losing record.
• The Royals have trailed after 5 innings in five of their last six day games against NL Central opponents that held a winning record.

Why the Kansas City Royals will win

• The Royals have covered the run line in 10 of their last 11 games at PNC Park.
• The Pirates have failed to cover the run line in 10 of their last 11 home games following a home win.

Total Runs Facts

• Each of the Pirates’ last four home games have gone OVER the total runs line.
• Each of the Royals’ last four day games after playing the previous day have gone UNDER the total runs line.
• There has been at least one run scored in the first inning in 13 of the Royals’ last 14 day games against NL Central opponents.
• There has been no run scored during the first inning in seven of the Pirates’ last eight games at PNC Park.

Pittsburgh Pirates Player Prop Facts

• Brandon Lowe has hit a home run in four of the Pirates’ last five home games.
• Nick Gonzales has recorded at least one hit in each of his last nine appearances against AL Central opponents that held a losing record.

Kansas City Royals Player Prop Facts

• Jac Caglianone has recorded at least one hit in each of his last nine appearances against NL opponents that held a winning record.
• Jac Caglianone has hit at least one home run in four of the Royals’ last six games against NL Central opponents that held a winning record.
• Michael Wacha has recorded five or more strikeouts in seven of his last eight road appearances against opponents that held a winning record.
• Michael Wacha has recorded a win in three of his last four road appearances against NL Central opponents.

Royals vs Pirates Prediction 

Pittsburgh comes into this matchup looking for the series sweep and they have scored 21 runs in their last three games. The Pirates are 41-36 at home this year, while the Royals are 28-52 on the road. Kansas City has lost four of their last five games, but they have scored five runs in three of their last four. The Royals are starting Wacha, who has allowed 4, 0, 3, 0, and 1 earned run in his last five starts, while Bachar will be an opener. Take the Pirates to get another win here.

David Racey's Pick: Pirates ML