The Royals and Guardians play the third and final game of their series on Wednesday, April 8.

Kansas City is a -118 moneyline favorite, while Cleveland is -102 on DraftKings Sportsbook. The game total is set at over/under 7.5 runs.

Let’s get into a pick and prediction for this Royals vs. Guardians game.

Royals vs. Guardians prediction, preview

The first two games of the Royals-Guardians series is complete, with each team winning one. The deciding third game is early on Wednesday with Cole Ragans pitching for Kansas City and Joey Cantillo for Cleveland.

Ragans bounced back after an ugly first start. He allowed four earned runs, six hits and four walks across four innings. His next game also ended in a loss, but he only allowed one unearned run while striking out eight across six frames.

The 28-year-old joined the Royals in 2023 and transformed into a quality starter. His 2025 season was one to forget with a 4.67 ERA across 61.2 innings pitched. He should bounce back this year, with his last start a good one to build off of.

Cleveland’s offense is one of the worst thus far, averaging 3.09 runs per game. That’s the 28th best mark in the majors. The lineup has a couple notable names such as Jose Ramirez, Steven Kwan and rookie Chase DeLauter, but the first two aren’t hitting well thus far.

The Royals are 16th in runs per game at 4.20. It’s not much better, and it’s been very dry this series. Kansas City scored four in the first game and one in the second. The lineup will face Cantillo, who has a 3.00 ERA through two games.

Cantillo debuted for the Guardians in 2024 but didn’t play a full year until last season. He’s had solid outings, but he’s not getting deep into games. This will likely require significant help from Cleveland’s bullpen.

Royals vs. Guardians Pick, Best Bet

Division rivalry match? Check. Deciding game three? Check. What’s there not to love? Well, maybe the lack of offense.

At least the under is a play. These teams fell short of the 7.5 run under in both of the first two games. How about a third time?

Best Bet: Under 7.5 runs (-122)

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The 74,420 fans who attended the Cleveland Indians’ home opener on April 7, 1973, witnessed a classic game that has become a lost memory for most. But for one Northeast Ohio couple, that day at Cleveland Stadium remains a cherished moment from their youth that they’ve held onto for the past 50 years.

Why it matters

The 1973 Indians home opener was a significant event in Cleveland sports history, drawing the largest crowd ever to see a baseball game in the city. While the details of the game itself have faded over time, the experience of attending that day has become a treasured memory for longtime Indians fans who were there.

The details

On April 7, 1973, the Cleveland Indians hosted the New York Yankees in their home opener at Cleveland Stadium. The game drew a record crowd of 74,420 fans, the largest attendance ever for a baseball game in Cleveland. The Indians went on to win the game 2-1 in 12 innings, capping off an exciting day for the passionate home crowd.

• The 1973 Indians home opener took place on April 7, 1973.
• The game drew a record crowd of 74,420 fans to Cleveland Stadium.

What they’re saying

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for a fugitive wanted for violating parole.

Terence Barnwell, 53, is known to frequent the Youngstown, Warren, and Cleveland area, according to the U.S. Marshals.

Barnwell is 5′6″ and about 156 pounds.

If you have any information, please contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED or you can send a web tip at the following webpage www.usmarshals.gov/what-we-do/fugitive-investigations/submitting-a-tip.

Tipsters can remain anonymous.

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