The Boston Red Sox and Kansas City Royals will square off in the rubber match of their three-game series on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at Kauffman Stadium, with both teams aiming to build momentum as they continue to push within their respective divisions. After Kansas City edged out a tight 2-1 victory in the opener, Boston stormed back with a commanding 10-1 win in Game 2, showcasing the explosive offense that has kept them competitive in the AL East. At 21-20, the Red Sox are currently second in their division behind the Yankees and are fighting to stay within striking distance, while the Royals sit at 24-17, just 2.5 games back of the Tigers in a surprisingly tight AL Central race. Sunday’s pitching matchup features veteran right-hander Lucas Giolito for Boston against the Royals’ reliable righty Seth Lugo. Giolito has struggled to find his footing in 2025, posting an 0-1 record with an 8.38 ERA over limited appearances, and this start represents a key opportunity for him to regain confidence and prove he can still be a dependable part of the rotation. Lugo, in contrast, has been a cornerstone for Kansas City’s pitching staff, compiling a 3-3 record with a 2.84 ERA and delivering quality innings nearly every time he takes the mound. Offensively, the Royals have leaned heavily on the dynamic duo of Bobby Witt Jr. and Maikel Garcia, who have combined for over 60 hits and are each batting over .315 while consistently creating havoc on the basepaths.

Witt Jr.’s blend of speed, gap power, and defensive brilliance has made him one of the most impactful players in the American League. Garcia, batting .316 with a .493 slugging percentage, has emerged as a reliable top-of-the-order presence who sets the tone for Kansas City’s offense. However, the Royals’ lineup beyond these two has lacked consistent firepower, with several regulars struggling to produce and posting OPS figures well below league average. The Red Sox, meanwhile, continue to rely on Alex Bregman’s veteran presence in the middle of the order, with his nine home runs and 31 RBIs pacing the team. Wilyer Abreu has provided a valuable boost with a .273 average and .539 slugging percentage, and while Boston has been dealing with key injuries—most notably the absence of Masataka Yoshida—they’ve maintained enough offensive depth to remain dangerous. Defensively, both teams have played clean baseball, with Kansas City’s infield standing out for its sharp execution and ability to turn timely double plays. Boston will need to back up Giolito with crisp defense and early run support if they want to avoid exposing their bullpen too early. The Royals, dominant at home with a 14-5 record, have thrived in close games and used their bullpen effectively to protect leads late. With the over/under set at 8.5 and both teams hovering near key divisional thresholds, this series finale could hinge on which starter settles in quicker and which offense capitalizes first. For Boston, a win would mean another series win on the road and renewed momentum in a crowded AL East. For Kansas City, it’s a chance to assert home-field dominance and continue a breakout campaign that has them firmly in contention as mid-May approaches.