ATLANTA (Interstat) — The Atlanta Braves look to build on a season-opening shutout when they host the Kansas City Royals in the second game of their series Saturday at Truist Park.

First pitch is scheduled for 4:10 p.m. EDT under cloudy skies with a game-time temperature near 69 degrees.

The Braves (0-0) blanked the Royals 4-0 on Friday behind a strong pitching performance. They will send right-hander Reynaldo López to the mound Saturday. López did not have a decision in the 2025 season.

Kansas City (0-0), which was held to four hits in the opener, will counter with right-hander Michael Wacha. Wacha also finished the 2025 campaign without a win or loss.

Both clubs are opening their 2026 schedules this weekend. The Royals concluded their 2025 season with a 9-2 victory at on Sept. 28. Atlanta finished its previous season on the same date with a 4-1 home win over Pittsburgh.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the Braves are projected for a 3-2 victory. Betting markets align with that narrow margin, installing Atlanta as a 1.5-run favorite with an over/under of 8.5 total runs.

Following Saturday’s contest, the three-game series concludes Sunday. The Royals then head home to open a series against the Minnesota Twins on Monday. The Braves will remain at home to begin a set with the Athletics on Monday.

Kansas City’s early schedule features a seven-game homestand against the Twins and Milwaukee Brewers before a road trip to Cleveland. Atlanta embarks on a seven-game West Coast road trip next week, with four games in Arizona followed by three in Los Angeles against the Angels.