2024 MLB Postseason: Orioles and Royals Set for Wild Card Showdown
As the 2024 MLB postseason unfolds, anticipation is building for the highly awaited Wild Card Series between the Baltimore Orioles and the Kansas City Royals. Both teams have had their share of trials and triumphs throughout the regular season, setting the stage for an exhilarating series at Camden Yards.
The Orioles, securing the No. 4 seed, will face a resurgent Royals team, who clinched the No. 5 seed despite a challenging season last year. The series is set to commence on Tuesday, Oct. 1, with Game 1 starting at 4:08 p.m. ET.
Pitching Matchups: A Duel of Aces
Baltimore is putting their faith in their ace, RHP Corbin Burnes, who has been stellar this season with a 15-9 record and a 2.92 ERA. His consistency on the mound has been a cornerstone for the Orioles throughout the year.
On the other side, the Royals will counter with their left-handed ace, Cole Ragans. Ragans, boasting an 11-9 record and a 3.14 ERA, has been pivotal for Kansas City. Both pitchers have demonstrated remarkable form, promising a thrilling start to the series.
Should the series extend to a decisive Game 3, Michael Wacha is slated to take the mound for Kansas City, ensuring the pitching duel continues to be a major talking point.
Baltimore's Recent Form
This marks the second consecutive postseason appearance for Baltimore, a team that finished second to the Yankees in the AL East with a 91-71 record. However, last year, their postseason journey was cut short by a sweep at the hands of the Texas Rangers in the ALDS. Determined to bounce back, the Orioles enter this series with a potent offense, having scored 56 runs in their final 10 games of the regular season.
Key to their success will be their ability to maintain this offensive surge. However, their defense, which boasts a 20% caught stealing rate, will also need to be sharp against a Royals team known for its aggressive baserunning.
The Royals' Remarkable Turnaround
Kansas City's return to postseason excitement comes after a dramatic turnaround from their 106-loss season last year. They become just the third team in the Expansion Era to make the playoffs following a 100-loss season, joining the ranks of the 2017 Minnesota Twins and the 2020 Miami Marlins. This remarkable resurgence has been powered by key players such as Bobby Witt Jr., Salvador Perez, and the aforementioned Cole Ragans.
A notable storyline for the Royals is the condition of Vinnie Pasquantino, who has been sidelined since Aug. 29 due to a broken thumb. However, Pasquantino has been actively working out and hitting, offering a glimmer of hope for his return to action during the series.
Royal's Speed vs. Oriole's Defense
Kansas City’s roster is adept at stealing bases, ranking third among postseason teams in this category. Their aggressive baserunning will be a test for Baltimore's catching and infield defense, which has shown prowess with a 20% caught stealing rate. This key matchup could very well influence the outcome of the tight series.
Series Odds and Stakes
The betting odds for the series are set with Baltimore at -155 and Kansas City at +130, indicating a predicted edge for the Orioles. The over/under for the game stands at 7.0 runs, further reflecting the expected tight contest between these evenly matched teams. With both teams showcasing top pitchers and robust offenses, this series promises to be a tactical and thrilling battle.
The victor of this Wild Card showdown will advance to face the New York Yankees in the ALDS, raising the stakes even higher. Both the Orioles and the Royals have compelling narratives and resilient squads vying for postseason glory, making this series a must-watch for baseball enthusiasts everywhere.
With all eyes on Camden Yards, let the playoff excitement begin.