Preview, Predictions, Where to Watch (9/13/25)

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The Philadelphia Phillies continue their interleague series with the Kansas City Royals tonight at Citizens Bank Park.

Philadelphia is red-hot, extending its winning streak to five games in last night’s opener. The Phillies hammered Royals starter Michael Lorenzen for six runs and 10 hits in just three innings, while Walker Buehler — a recent waiver claim — held Kansas City to one run over five innings, doing more than simply eating innings. Bryce Harper led the offense, crushing two home runs.

The victory pushed Philadelphia’s NL East lead to 12 games over the New York Mets. The Mets have dropped seven straight and now cling to just a half-game lead over the surging San Francisco Giants for the final Wild Card spot, putting their postseason hopes in jeopardy.

Taijuan Walker takes the mound for the Phillies tonight. He’s 4-8 with a 4.03 ERA, but recent struggles have raised concerns. Over his last three starts, Walker has been hit hard, giving up 13 runs and 25 hits across 15 innings.

For Kansas City, rookie Ryan Bergert — acquired from the San Diego Padres at the trade deadline — makes his eighth start. The 25-year-old righty looked promising early with a 1-1 record and 2.54 ERA in his first month with the Royals, but he was shelled in his last outing, surrendering eight runs and 11 hits in 3.1 innings against the Guardians.

He faced the Phillies earlier this year while with San Diego, allowing two runs in 4.2 innings. The Royals remain six games out of a Wild Card spot and hope Bergert can rebound to keep their postseason push alive.

Prediction

The Phillies’ lineup is scorching, and while Walker has been shaky, Philadelphia’s bats should be enough to carry them.

Prediction: Phillies 5, Royals 4

Starting Lineups

Kansas City Royals

1. Mike Yastrzemski — RF

2. Bobby Witt Jr. — SS

3. Vinnie Pasquantino — 1B

4. Maikel Garcia — 3B

5. Salvador Perez — C

6. Adam Frazier — LF

7. Jonathan India — 2B

8. Carter Jensen — DH

9. Kyle Isbel — CF

Starting Pitcher: Ryan Bergert (RHP) — 2–2, 3.48 ERA

Philadelphia Phillies

1. Harrison Bader — CF

2. Kyle Schwarber — DH

3. Bryce Harper — 1B

4. J.T. Realmuto — C

5. Brandon Marsh — LF

6. Max Kepler — RF

7. Otto Kemp — 3B

8. Bryson Stott — SS

9. Donovan Walton — 2B

Starting Pitcher: Taijuan Walker (RHP) — 4–8, 4.03 ERA

How to Watch Royals vs. Phillies

First pitch for tonight’s game between the Kansas City Royals and Philadelphia Phillies is set for 6:05 PM Eastern at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.

The game airs live on NBC Sports Philadelphia and FanDuel Sports Network Kansas City.

Out-of-market viewers can stream the game on MLB.TV.