The 2024 MLB postseason has kicked off, and fans are eagerly watching as the Wild Card Series gets underway. A best-of-three showdown is set to unfold, featuring the Baltimore Orioles and the Kansas City Royals. The stakes are high, and the excitement palpable as these two teams prepare to face off at Camden Yards.
The Matchup
Baltimore enters the series as the No. 4 seed, boasting an impressive season that saw them post a 91-71 record, finishing second in the AL East behind the New York Yankees. Their strong finish was no fluke, as they managed to score 56 runs in their final 10 games of the regular season. Unfortunately, the Orioles have bitter memories from last year's postseason, where they were swept out of the ALDS by the Texas Rangers. This year, they aim to rewrite that script.
The Royals, who secured the No. 5 seed, have their own remarkable story. Kansas City’s last postseason appearance was during their 2015 World Series-winning season. They've experienced a tremendous turnaround, making the playoffs just a year after suffering 106 losses. This feat places them among the only three teams in the Expansion Era to achieve such a comeback, joining the 2017 Minnesota Twins and the 2020 Miami Marlins.
Pitching Duel
The pitchers taking the mound for Game 1 are set to make headlines. Baltimore is putting its faith in their ace, right-hander Corbin Burnes, who has delivered stellar performances throughout the season with a 15-9 record and a 2.92 ERA. Burnes’ consistency and control have been a cornerstone for the Orioles.
Kansas City's hopes rest on the arm of left-hander Cole Ragans, who has had a commendable season himself, posting an 11-9 record with a 3.14 ERA. Ragans’ presence on the mound will be crucial for the Royals as they try to neutralize Baltimore's potent offense.
Key Players to Watch
Baltimore’s success this postseason will heavily rely on their star players and a cohesive team effort. They have confirmed Corbin Burnes for Game 1, and if necessary, Michael Wacha is slated to pitch Game 3. On the other hand, Kansas City is counting on key contributors such as Bobby Witt Jr., Salvador Perez, and the pitching prowess of Cole Ragans and Seth Lugo. Both Ragans and Lugo are in contention to finish in the top five in this year’s Cy Young voting, underscoring their importance to the team.
A significant storyline for the Royals is Vinnie Pasquantino's status. The young slugger has not played since August 29 due to a broken thumb. However, reports indicate that he has been working out and hitting, potentially providing a boost to Kansas City's lineup if he returns to action.
Speed and Defense
Kansas City's aggressive base-running has been a weapon this season, as they swiped the third most bases among postseason teams. This strategy could put pressure on a Baltimore defense that has a 20% caught stealing rate. The Royals will look to exploit any weaknesses in the Orioles' defensive setup to gain an edge.
Odds and Expectations
The betting odds favor Baltimore slightly, with the Orioles at -155 and the Royals at +130. The over/under for the series is set at 7.0 runs, reflecting the competitive balance between the two teams. Fans can expect a closely contested series where every pitch and at-bat will be pivotal.
The winner of this thrilling matchup will advance to face the formidable New York Yankees in the ALDS, setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable postseason. As the first pitch approaches on Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 4:08 p.m. ET, all eyes will be on Camden Yards, where baseball drama is guaranteed to unfold.