The 2024 MLB postseason has officially kicked off, marking the beginning of a thrilling Wild Card Series between the Baltimore Orioles and the Kansas City Royals. With the series being a best-of-three, every game carries immense weight, and both teams are set to leave it all on the field at Camden Yards.
The Matchup
Securing the No. 4 seed, the Baltimore Orioles will host the Kansas City Royals, who clinched the No. 5 seed. The Orioles finished their regular season second in the AL East with a 91-71 record, trailing the division-winning New York Yankees. Baltimore fans are eager for redemption after last year's sweep by the Texas Rangers in the ALDS.
On the other side, the Royals are tasting postseason excitement for the first time since their triumphant 2015 World Series run. Kansas City's journey to this moment is remarkable, considering they suffered 106 losses last season. They join the 2017 Minnesota Twins and the 2020 Miami Marlins as the only teams in the Expansion Era to make the postseason a year after losing 100 games.
Pitching Duel
Game 1, scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 4:08 p.m. ET, promises a high-stakes showdown on the mound. Baltimore will rely on their ace, right-hander Corbin Burnes, who boasts a stellar 15-9 record with a 2.92 ERA. Burnes has been a linchpin for the Orioles' rotation and is determined to set the tone for the series.
Opposing Burnes is Kansas City's left-hander, Cole Ragans. Ragans, who has played a pivotal role in the Royals' success, posted an 11-9 record with a 3.14 ERA. Both pitchers are capable of dominating the game, making this initial matchup crucial for momentum.
The Royals also have Michael Wacha prepared to take the mound for Game 3 if the series extends. With such strong starting rotation options, Kansas City is strategically positioned to challenge the Orioles.
Players to Watch
Baltimore's recent offensive surge, scoring 56 runs in their final 10 games of the regular season, indicates they are hitting their stride at the right time. However, the Royals come equipped with an arsenal of key players including Bobby Witt Jr., Salvador Perez, and the pitcher duo of Cole Ragans and Seth Lugo, the latter two being strong contenders in this year’s Cy Young voting.
One player who remains a question mark for Kansas City is Vinnie Pasquantino. Having been out since Aug. 29 due to a broken thumb, Pasquantino has been working out and hitting but it's unclear how impactful he can be upon his potential return.
Strategic Factors
Speed and defense will also play crucial roles in the series. Kansas City has been aggressive on the base paths, swiping the third most bases among postseason teams. This aggressive approach will test Baltimore's defense, which has only a 20% caught-stealing rate. How well the Orioles can contain Kansas City’s runners could significantly influence the game outcomes.
Aiming for the ALDS
As both teams prepare for this pivotal Wild Card Series, the stakes couldn't be higher. Baltimore's fans are eager to witness their team advance, especially following last season's premature exit. Meanwhile, Kansas City looks to continue their Cinderella story and extend their postseason run after a significant turnaround from their previous year's struggles.
The winner of this series will face the New York Yankees in the ALDS, adding an extra layer of anticipation and excitement to an already intense matchup. The odds are slightly in Baltimore’s favor (BAL -155 | KC +130), with an over/under of 7.0 runs, suggesting a potentially tight and low-scoring series.
As the first pitch approaches, both teams know that their path to glory starts with this Wild Card battle. For the Orioles, it's a chance to establish themselves as postseason contenders. For the Royals, it's another step in their remarkable journey from last year's hardships to this year's playoff contention.
The stage is set, the players are ready, and the 2024 MLB postseason drama begins now.