We're set for another betting prediction and pick for this weekend's MLB slate as we head to the American League for a matchup between teams streaking in the opposite direction. The Kansas City Royals will visit the Tampa Bay Rays for the second game of their three-game series. Check out our MLB odds series for our Royals-Rays prediction and pick.

The Kansas City Royals are second in the AL Central standings, just behind the Cleveland Guardians. Even with an impressive 32-19 record, they'll have a tough road to the postseason with their divisional rivals. Still, the Royals are 8-2 in their last 10 and riding a six-game winning streak into this series. Brady Singer (4-2) is their projected starter.

The Tampa Bay Rays are currently fourth in the AL East race and sit 9.5 games back of the lead. It's been a streaky season for them thus far as they've traded a four-game winning streak for a four-game losing streak over the last 8 games. With another competitive year ahead of them in the division, they'll need to limit their streaking in the wrong direction. Aaron Civale (2-4) is their likely starter.

Here are the MLB Odds, courtesy of FanDuel. 

MLB Odds: Royals-Rays Odds

Kansas City Royals: -1.5 (+158)

Moneyline: -102

Tampa Bay Rays: +1.5 (-192)

Moneyline: -116

Over: 8 (-105)

Under: 8 (-115)

How to Watch Royals vs. Rays

Time: 4:10 p.m. ET/1:10 p.m. PT

TV: Bally Sports (Midwest, Sun)

Stream: fuboTV (Click for free trial)

Why The Royals Will Cover The Spread/Win

The Kansas City Royals are off to one of their best season starts in recent memory and they're gearing up for an exciting race against the Cleveland Guardians for the top of the division. They're fourth in the MLB in total hits and their bats have been scorching at home. On the road, they're still just 11-11 and will need to figure out their pitching in opposing stadiums but expect them to continue being productive from the plate in this one. They're happy to see a right-hander from the Rays, which they've gone for 40 HRs and 173 RBIs against RHP on the season.

The Royals will send their own Brady Singer (RHP) who's working behind a 2.70 ERA, ranking 19th in the MLB. He's been solid with his stuff through six innings of each of his starts and he's great at giving his teams' bats a chance to get ahead early. During his last start, he only gave up one run and struck out nine batters in a dominant 8-4 win. With the Royals getting hot from the plate at the same time, Singer gives them a great chance to win this game and control the series.

Why The Rays Will Cover The Spread/Win

The Tampa Bay Rays couldn't catch a break playing two series against a hot Red Sox team and watching Rafael Devers homer in his sixth consecutive game, setting a Boston franchise record. The Rays haven't been particularly bad from the plate, but they've been inconsistent during their losses, often failing to score decent runs. In their wins, their bats catch fire quickly and they have no trouble getting runners across the plate. The more consistent aspect of their team is the pitching and it's clear they'll be the driving force behind the Rays' success this year if they can remain healthy.

The injuries to the bullpen have hurt the Rays this season, but they'll be sending a healthy Aaron Civale (RHP) out in this one. He hasn't had the best record this year and his ERA is up to 5.92. The good news is that his ERA is slightly lower at 4.61 when pitching at home. Throughout 27.1 innings pitched at home, he's notched an impressive 31 strikeouts. He hasn't seen a win in his last three starts, so he'll be motivated to get back on track in this one.

Final Royals-Rays Prediction & Pick

The Kansas City Royals are on fire to start this season and they're motivated to head into Tampa Bay and complete their third consecutive sweep of a team after taking down the Tigers and Athletics. The Royals certainly have the better offense on paper as they're ranking near the tops in runs and RBIs. The Rays are struggling at the moment with four consecutive losses heading into this game and they'll need to break the streak at home during this three-game stand.

At the moment, the Royals are swinging much hotter bats and they have the better pitcher out on the mound during this matchup. Unless the Tampa Bay Rays can improve their play and see some of their pitching return to the rotation, they'll continue to trade wins for losses as they hover around .500. Look for the Royals to keep streaking in this one.

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Final Royals-Rays Prediction & Pick: Kansas City Royals -1.5 (+158)