The 2024 MLB postseason has begun, and fans are eagerly awaiting the showdown between the Baltimore Orioles and the Kansas City Royals in the Wild Card Series. This best-of-three series is packed with storylines that promise excitement and drama.
Battle at Camden Yards
Set to commence at Camden Yards, Game 1 is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 1, at 4:08 p.m. ET. The Orioles, who secured the No. 4 seed, will host the Royals, who clinched the No. 5 seed. Baltimore comes into the series with a 91-71 record, finishing second in the AL East to the New York Yankees. Meanwhile, Kansas City is back in the postseason for the first time since their triumphant 2015 World Series win, a feat made more impressive considering their 106 losses last season.
Pitching Matchups
On the mound for Game 1, Baltimore’s ace, right-hander Corbin Burnes, will take the ball. Burnes has been stellar this season, boasting a 15-9 record with a 2.92 ERA. Opposing him will be Kansas City's left-hander, Cole Ragans, who has also had a commendable season with an 11-9 record and a 3.14 ERA.
The Orioles have confirmed Burnes for the opening game, while Kansas City's rotation will rely heavily on Ragans and Michael Wacha, who is set to pitch Game 3 if necessary. The expectation is that both Ragans and Seth Lugo will contend for top-five finishes in this year's Cy Young voting, indicating the depth and quality of the Royals' pitching staff.
Historic Turnaround
Kansas City's presence in the playoffs is historic, becoming the third team in the Expansion Era to reach the postseason following a 100-loss season. The 2017 Minnesota Twins and the 2020 Miami Marlins previously achieved this rare feat. The Royals’ turnaround is a remarkable story, highlighted by the excitement and optimism surrounding their young stars.
Key Players to Watch
For Kansas City, the performance of Bobby Witt Jr., Salvador Perez, Cole Ragans, and Seth Lugo will be crucial. Witt Jr. and Perez have been instrumental in the Royals' resurgence, providing both offensive firepower and veteran leadership. Another storyline to follow is the status of Vinnie Pasquantino, who has been sidelined with a broken thumb since Aug. 29 but has been working out and hitting, indicating a potential return.
Offensive and Defensive Dynamics
Offensively, Baltimore has been in fine form, scoring 56 runs in their final 10 games of the regular season. This surge in offensive production could be a decisive factor in the series. The Orioles will look to capitalize on their home-field advantage, bolstered by a defense that possesses a 20% caught stealing rate.
On the other hand, the Royals have showcased their speed on the base paths, swiping the third-most bases among postseason teams. This element of Kansas City's game could pose challenges for the Orioles' defense.
The Odds and Stakes
The series is expected to be tightly contested, with the odds favoring Baltimore at -155, while Kansas City is listed at +130. The over/under for the games is set at 7.0 runs, indicating that both teams' pitching and offensive capabilities will be thoroughly tested.
The winner of this Wild Card Series will face a formidable opponent in the ALDS – the New York Yankees. For Baltimore, this is their second consecutive postseason appearance, having been swept out of the ALDS by the Texas Rangers last year. With this recent experience under their belt, the Orioles will be keen to advance further this time around.
In summary, the stage is set for an exhilarating Wild Card Series between the Orioles and the Royals. Both teams have compelling narratives, with Baltimore aiming to build on their recent successes and Kansas City heralding a historic comeback. Baseball fans can expect a thrilling series filled with high stakes, strategic gameplay, and unforgettable moments.