The 2024 MLB postseason has kicked off, and the Wild Card Series brings an exciting matchup between the No. 4 seed Baltimore Orioles and the No. 5 seed Kansas City Royals. This best-of-three series is set to begin at Camden Yards, with Game 1 scheduled for Tuesday, October 1 at 4:08 p.m. ET. Both teams are bringing fascinating storylines and key players to the forefront, promising a competitive and captivating series.
Baltimore's Postseason Return
For the second consecutive year, the Baltimore Orioles have secured a spot in the postseason. This achievement follows a strong regular season in which they finished second to the Yankees in the AL East with a 91-71 record. Though their previous postseason ended in disappointment with a sweep by the Texas Rangers in the ALDS, the Orioles are poised to make a deeper run this year.
The team’s success can largely be attributed to their ace, right-handed pitcher Corbin Burnes. Burnes posted an impressive 15-9 record with a 2.92 ERA, and he has been confirmed as the starter for Game 1. Baltimore's offense also caught fire towards the end of the regular season, scoring 56 runs in their final 10 games, providing a solid foundation for their postseason ambitions.
Kansas City's Remarkable Turnaround
The Kansas City Royals, meanwhile, are experiencing postseason excitement for the first time since their 2015 World Series win. This feat is remarkable given their 106-loss season just last year. They’ve become only the third team in the Expansion Era to make the postseason following a 100-loss season, following in the footsteps of the 2017 Minnesota Twins and the 2020 Miami Marlins.
Key to Kansas City's success has been the outstanding performances of players like Bobby Witt Jr., Salvador Perez, Cole Ragans, and Seth Lugo. Ragans, a left-hander, posted an 11-9 record with a 3.14 ERA and is anticipated to finish in the top five of this year’s Cy Young voting, alongside Lugo. This strong pitching duo could prove pivotal against the Orioles, especially given Baltimore’s recent offensive surge.
Game 1 Showdown
As the series gets underway, all eyes will be on Camden Yards for the opening clash. The starting pitchers, Corbin Burnes for Baltimore and Cole Ragans for Kansas City, embody the high stakes and drama of postseason baseball. With Burnes' dominant presence and Ragans' resilience, the first game promises to be a thrilling contest.
Additionally, the Royals’ aggressive baserunning could play a crucial role. They swiped the third most bases among postseason teams, a strategy that could exploit Baltimore’s defense, which has a 20% caught stealing rate. This tactical element adds another layer of intrigue to the series.
Injury Concerns and Tactical Decisions
Injuries always play a part in the postseason narrative, and this series is no exception. For Kansas City, Vinnie Pasquantino, who fractured his thumb in late August, has been working out and hitting but has yet to return to game action. His presence could add significant depth to the Royals' lineup if he is able to play.
On the tactical front, Baltimore has Michael Wacha lined up to pitch Game 3 if necessary. This planned rotation underscores the Orioles' depth, hinting at how closely contested this series could be.
The Road Ahead
The stakes are incredibly high, not just for advancing past the Wild Card Series but for the opportunity to face the New York Yankees in the ALDS. Both the Orioles and the Royals have proven they can overcome adversity and rise to the occasion. Baltimore’s blend of strong pitching and late-season offensive power collides with Kansas City’s remarkable turnaround and strategic acumen.
As the action unfolds, fans can expect a combination of strategic baserunning, dominant pitching, and timely hitting. The odds are tight (BAL -155 | KC +130) with an over/under of 7.0 runs, indicating that the series could very well go the distance.
With the 2024 MLB postseason promising drama and excitement, the Baltimore Orioles and Kansas City Royals are set to deliver an unforgettable Wild Card Series. As Game 1 approaches, baseball fans everywhere are preparing for a showdown that embodies the thrill of October baseball.