MLB Baseball
2026-06-13 - Houston Astros at Kansas City Royals
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States : Major League Baseball
Saturday 13th June 2026 - Scheduled 7:10pm EST
00:10am (British Time)
Preview
The American League Central was supposed to look significantly differently in 2026 compared to the standings we see in June and the Kansas City Royals (28-42) are perhaps not making as many headlines for their poor start thanks to the struggles of the Detroit Tigers. The latter have a few more big name starters that could be on the trading block, but the Royals have got a lot of work to do if they are going to turn things around and challenge for post-season spots as expected.
They continue hosting this series against the Houston Astros (32-39) who took the opener on Friday to drop Kansas City to a third straight defeat.
The Astros may only have a handful more wins than the Kansas City Royals, but those make a big difference and they are 'only' 5 games out of the lead in the American League West. This was a season where the likes of Seattle and Texas were expected to be too strong for Houston, but they will feel they can bring in enough new faces to challenge as long as they stay competitive over the next few weeks.
Houston will give the ball to Mike Burrows on Saturday, but the starter has struggled in what is his first season with this team and the third in the Major Leagues overall. Mike Burrows has a 3-8 record and 5.77 ERA in thirteen starts in 2026, but he had a solid sophomore year in 2025 and that will have everyone anticipating room for improvement.
It has been a difficult four weeks for Mike Burrows who has a 1-4 record from his last five starts and a 6.91 ERA in those outings. June has been very problematic with the two starts made seeing Burrows give up nine earned runs in 10 Innings thrown and so there will be some trepidation going to the mound against a Kansas City batting lineup that put up eight runs on Friday in a losing effort.
The Royals will counter by giving the ball to Noah Cameron who has a 3-4 record and 3.84 ERA in twelve starts in what is his second season in the Major Leagues.
April ended in tough fashion, but Noah Cameron has shown his increasing maturity on the mound and the recent performances have suggested he has been a hard luck pitcher. While his opposite number may be a little concerned about the Royals batting, Noah Cameron should be encouraged as he looks for run support.
The last four starts made by Noah Cameron have resulted in a 0-1 record, but he has a 1.13 ERA in that time which underlines the statement about being in a hard luck situation.
In those four starts, Noah Cameron has pitched 24 Innings and he will believe he can give Kansas City a platform for a successful outing.
Prediction
The Kansas City Royals have been difficult to trust thanks to erratic performances all season, but they have a pitcher who can at least give them every chance of levelling up this series.
Mike Burrows has been struggling for the Houston Astros and Noah Cameron can at least contain the road team with the hope that his Royals batters can become the latest to get after the third year pitcher starting for the road team.
The Pick :
Kansas City Royals 5-2 Houston Astros
