The 2024 MLB postseason has commenced, promising a thrilling Wild Card Series between the Baltimore Orioles and the Kansas City Royals. This best-of-three matchup features a compelling narrative: the Royals, once mired in a rebuilding phase, have defied the odds to secure the fifth seed, while the Orioles aim to validate their back-to-back postseason berths.
Game 1 at Camden Yards
The series kicks off at Camden Yards on Tuesday, Oct. 1, at 4:08 p.m. ET. Baltimore's ace, right-hander Corbin Burnes, will be on the mound. Burnes, who has been stellar this season with a 15-9 record and a 2.92 ERA, is a formidable opponent for any team. Countering for Kansas City is left-hander Cole Ragans, whose 11-9 record and 3.14 ERA underscore his reliability. Both pitchers are game-changers and are expected to set the tone for this pivotal series.
Baltimore's Quest for Redemption
The Orioles are entering the postseason on a high note, having finished second to the Yankees in the AL East with a commendable 91-71 record. Last year, they were swept out of the ALDS by the Texas Rangers, a result they are keen to rectify. Baltimore’s offense, having scored 56 runs in their final ten games of the regular season, shows no signs of slowing down. The team’s confidence is buoyed by their defensive prowess as well, boasting a 20% caught stealing rate, placing added pressure on Kansas City's aggressive base-running strategy.
Kansas City's Remarkable Turnaround
The Royals’ journey to the postseason has been nothing short of remarkable. This is Kansas City's first taste of postseason excitement since their 2015 World Series triumph. Just a year ago, the team slogged through a 106-loss season. Now, they become the third team in the Expansion Era to make the postseason following a 100-loss season, joining the 2017 Minnesota Twins and the 2020 Miami Marlins.
Central to their resurgence are star players Bobby Witt Jr., Salvador Perez, Cole Ragans, and Seth Lugo. Both Ragans and Lugo are anticipated to be among the top five in this year’s Cy Young voting, emphasizing their critical roles in the team’s success. Kansas City's aggressive base-running has paid dividends this season, stealing the third most bases among postseason teams, a potential game-changer against the Orioles' defensive setup.
Injuries and Strategic Moves
Notably absent from the Royals' recent lineup is Vinnie Pasquantino, who has been sidelined with a broken thumb since August 29. Despite this setback, Pasquantino has been diligently working out and hitting, raising hopes for his return. Should the series extend to Game 3, Kansas City is prepared to deploy Michael Wacha, further strengthening their rotation.
Odds and Expectations
The stakes are high, with the winner poised to face the New York Yankees in the ALDS. Oddsmakers have Baltimore as the favorites at -155, with Kansas City at +130. The over/under for runs is set at 7.0, highlighting the anticipation for a closely contested series.
This postseason clash promises to deliver high drama and memorable moments as both teams vie for victory. The Orioles are determined to make a deep run, while the Royals seek to extend their fairytale turnaround. As Game 1 unfolds, all eyes will be on Camden Yards, where baseball's unpredictability and excitement are set to shine.