MLB Postseason Begins: Baltimore Orioles and Kansas City Royals Set to Battle in Wild Card Series
As the 2024 MLB postseason officially kicks off, fans are in for a thrilling start with the highly anticipated Wild Card Series between the Baltimore Orioles and the Kansas City Royals. Both teams come into the series with different narratives but share the same ambition: advancing to the ALDS to face the New York Yankees.
Matchup Overview
The Wild Card Series is a best-of-three format, upping the stakes for every game played at Camden Yards. The series will kick off with Game 1 on Tuesday, Oct. 1, at 4:08 p.m. ET. Baltimore's ace, right-hander Corbin Burnes, takes the mound with an impressive record of 15-9 and a 2.92 ERA. Meanwhile, Kansas City will counter with their left-handed sensation Cole Ragans, who posted an 11-9 record and a solid 3.14 ERA.
Baltimore's Pursuit
The Baltimore Orioles secured the No. 4 seed, marking their second consecutive postseason berth. Despite finishing second to the Yankees in the AL East with a commendable 91-71 record, the Orioles are eager to improve on last year’s performance, where they were swept out of the ALDS by the Texas Rangers. Baltimore's offense has shown firepower heading into the postseason, scoring 56 runs in their final 10 games of the regular season. With Burnes confirmed as the Game 1 starter, the Orioles are looking to set the tone early in the series.
Kansas City's Redemption
For the Kansas City Royals, securing the No. 5 seed and entering the postseason marks a significant turnaround. The team that endured 106 losses last season has defied the odds, becoming only the third team in the Expansion Era to make the postseason following a 100-loss season, joining the ranks of the 2017 Minnesota Twins and the 2020 Miami Marlins. Postseason excitement returns to Kansas City for the first time since their triumphant World Series win in 2015.
Key Players to Watch
Kansas City will rely heavily on standout performers like Bobby Witt Jr., Salvador Perez, Cole Ragans, and Seth Lugo. Both Ragans and Lugo have turned heads this season and are anticipated to finish in the top five of this year’s Cy Young voting. Vinnie Pasquantino’s status remains uncertain as he has not played since Aug. 29 due to a broken thumb. However, Pasquantino has been diligently working out and hitting, possibly providing a boost to the Royals' lineup if he makes a comeback.
Strategic Elements
Kansas City’s aggressive base running could be a critical factor, as they swiped the third most bases among postseason teams. On the defensive side, Baltimore’s prowess is evident with their 20% caught stealing rate. The outcome of these matchups on the basepaths could very well tilt the series in favor of either team.
Game 1 and Beyond
Should the series reach a decisive Game 3, Michael Wacha is slated to take the mound for Kansas City. As the teams prepare for this do-or-die scenario, the tactical decisions of managers and the performance of key players will be under intense scrutiny. With the over/under set at 7.0 runs and the odds indicating Baltimore as the favorite (BAL -155 | KC +130), the wildcard series promises to be a fascinating clash of styles and strategies.
As both teams gear up for what could be a defining moment in their postseason campaigns, fans are left in eager anticipation of a thrilling series. The stage is set, the players are ready, and the excitement is palpable. Camden Yards will be the backdrop for a fascinating narrative, rich with the drama and excitement that only October baseball can deliver.