The 2024 MLB postseason has begun, sparking excitement as teams vie for baseball supremacy. Among the highly anticipated matchups is the Wild Card Series between the Baltimore Orioles and the Kansas City Royals. This best-of-three series will be played at Camden Yards, starting Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 4:08 p.m. ET.
Baltimore Seeks Redemption
The Orioles, coming off a strong regular season where they finished second to the Yankees in the AL East with a 91-71 record, are eager to redeem themselves after being swept out of the ALDS by the Texas Rangers last year. Baltimore's offense has shown prowess, scoring 56 runs in their final 10 games of the regular season, setting the stage for what promises to be a high-stakes series.
Baltimore's ace, right-hander Corbin Burnes, who posted an impressive 15-9 record with a 2.92 ERA, will take the mound in Game 1. Burnes aims to lead the team to their first postseason series win in two years. Meanwhile, for Game 3, if necessary, the Orioles have lined up Michael Wacha, providing a formidable rotation to challenge Kansas City.
Kansas City's Comeback Story
The Royals, seeded No. 5, are experiencing postseason excitement for the first time since their World Series win in 2015. This is a remarkable turnaround for a team that endured 106 losses last season. Kansas City is only the third team in the Expansion Era to reach the postseason a year after a 100-loss season, following in the footsteps of the 2017 Minnesota Twins and the 2020 Miami Marlins.
Left-hander Cole Ragans, with an 11-9 record and a 3.14 ERA, will face Burnes in the opening game. Ragans, along with Seth Lugo, is anticipated to finish in the top five of this year's Cy Young voting, underscoring the strength of Kansas City's pitching staff. Additionally, Game 3, if required, will see Michael Wacha take the mound for the Orioles, adding another layer of competition.
Key Players and Strategies
Kansas City’s hopes rest significantly on the performances of Bobby Witt Jr., Salvador Perez, Cole Ragans, and Seth Lugo. Their ability to contribute offensively and defensively will be crucial in this high-pressure series. Notably, Vinnie Pasquantino has been working out and hitting despite not playing since Aug. 29 due to a broken thumb, and his return could provide a significant boost.
The Royals have demonstrated their aggressive baserunning, swiping the third most bases among postseason teams. This could pose a challenge to Baltimore, whose defense has a 20% caught stealing rate. The chess match between Baltimore’s defense and Kansas City’s baserunning will be a pivotal aspect of this series.
Series Outlook
With the odds favoring Baltimore (BAL -155) over Kansas City (KC +130) and an over/under of 7.0 runs, the stage is set for an electrifying series. Both teams have much to prove and equally balanced strengths that promise closely contested games. The winner of this series will advance to face the formidable New York Yankees in the ALDS, adding an extra layer of motivation for both squads.
This Wild Card Series encapsulates the spirit of postseason baseball – a mix of redemption, resilience, and the craving for glory. As Baltimore seeks to overcome past postseason disappointments, Kansas City aims to continue their astonishing turnaround. Baseball fans are in for a treat as these two teams leave everything on the field at Camden Yards.