As the 2024 MLB postseason kicks off, excitement is reaching a fever pitch, especially with the Baltimore Orioles set to host the Kansas City Royals in the Wild Card Series. The two teams, prepared to face off in a best-of-three showdown at Camden Yards, have vastly different backstories heading into this year’s playoffs.
Contrasting Journeys to October
The Baltimore Orioles, who secured the No. 4 seed, are making their second consecutive postseason appearance. Last year, their dreams were dashed as they were swept out of the ALDS by the Texas Rangers. Determined to change their fortunes this year, they closed the regular season with a 91-71 record, finishing second to the New York Yankees in the highly competitive AL East. Their offense was in full swing, scoring an impressive 56 runs in their final 10 games.
On the other side stands the Kansas City Royals, entering the postseason as the No. 5 seed. This marks Kansas City's first taste of postseason excitement since their World Series win in 2015. Their journey to this point is nothing short of remarkable, considering they had 106 losses just last season. This year's Royals are the third team in the Expansion Era to make the playoffs following a 100-loss season, following the footsteps of the 2017 Minnesota Twins and the 2020 Miami Marlins.
Pitching Matchups
The stage is set for a thrilling pitching duel in Game 1 on Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 4:08 p.m. ET. Baltimore will rely on their ace, right-hander Corbin Burnes, who posted a stellar 15-9 record with a 2.92 ERA this season. Burnes's consistent excellence on the mound has been a cornerstone for the Orioles, and they hope he can deliver a commanding performance to set the tone for the series.
For Kansas City, left-hander Cole Ragans takes the mound after an impressive season of his own, with an 11-9 record and a 3.14 ERA. Ragans, along with teammate Seth Lugo, is anticipated to finish in the top five of this year’s Cy Young voting. If the series extends to a decisive Game 3, Michael Wacha is set to take the mound for the Royals, adding another layer of depth to their pitching arsenal.
Key Players and Strategies
Baltimore's offensive machinery has been humming, but they'll face a stern test against a Royals team that has shown resilience and skill throughout their unlikely journey to the postseason. The Orioles' defense will also be put to the test, boasting a 20% caught stealing rate, as Kansas City brings aggressive baserunning into play, having swiped the third most bases among postseason teams.
The Royals' roster is anchored by key players like Bobby Witt Jr. and Salvador Perez. However, they have had to cope with the absence of Vinnie Pasquantino, who has not played since Aug. 29 due to a broken thumb. There’s some optimism, though, as Pasquantino has been working out and hitting, signaling a potential return during the series.
The Orioles' defense will have to be sharp to throttle Kansas City’s offensive hustle. The betting odds slightly favor Baltimore at -155, with the Royals at +130, and an over/under set at 7.0 runs per game. These numbers suggest a tightly contested series, where every pitch, swing, and defensive play could tip the balance.
The Road Ahead
Whichever team emerges victorious in this Wild Card Series will advance to face the New York Yankees in the ALDS. The stakes are high, and the journey ahead doesn't get any easier. But for now, the focus is squarely on the battle unfolding at Camden Yards, where both the Orioles and the Royals have a chance to make a deep run into October, rewriting their stories in the annals of baseball history.
Fans from both Baltimore and Kansas City are undoubtedly thrilled to see their teams contending in the postseason. As they cheer on their heroes, the unpredictable nature of playoff baseball promises to deliver drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments. For the Orioles and Royals, it’s an opportunity to showcase their talent and resilience on one of baseball's biggest stages.
The 2024 MLB postseason is officially underway, and with it, the dreams of two teams with distinct yet equally compelling narratives begin to unfold.