Postseason Kicks Off with the 2024 MLB Wild Card Series
The 2024 MLB postseason is officially underway, and fans are in for a thrilling Wild Card Series. In a best-of-three format, the Baltimore Orioles, who have secured the No. 4 seed, will face off against the Kansas City Royals, the No. 5 seed, at Camden Yards.
Matchup Overview
Game 1 is slated for Tuesday, October 1, at 4:08 p.m. ET. Baltimore’s ace, right-handed pitcher Corbin Burnes, who posted a commendable 15-9 record with a 2.92 ERA this season, will start for the Orioles. Opposing him on the mound will be Kansas City's left-hander Cole Ragans, who has been equally impressive with an 11-9 record and a 3.14 ERA.
This series marks Baltimore's second consecutive postseason appearance, a testament to their consistent performance. Last year, they were swept out of the ALDS by the Texas Rangers, a defeat they're undoubtedly eager to avenge. The Orioles finished the regular season second in the AL East behind the Yankees, boasting a 91-71 record. Their offense has shown prowess, averaging 56 runs in their final 10 games.
Kansas City's Remarkable Turnaround
Kansas City is savoring postseason excitement for the first time since their World Series win in 2015. The Royals endured 106 losses last season but have made a remarkable turnaround, becoming only the third team in the Expansion Era to make the postseason a year after a 100-loss season. They join the ranks of the 2017 Minnesota Twins and the 2020 Miami Marlins in achieving this feat.
Key players like Bobby Witt Jr., Salvador Perez, Cole Ragans, and Seth Lugo have been crucial to Kansas City's resurgence. Ragans and Lugo are even anticipated to finish in the top five of this year’s Cy Young voting. Additionally, infielder Vinnie Pasquantino, who has been out since August 29 due to a broken thumb, has been working out and hitting, potentially ready to make his postseason debut.
Keys to the Series
One factor to watch in this series is Kansas City's aggressive base running. They swiped the third most bases among postseason teams, a strategy that could test Baltimore's defense, which has a 20% caught stealing rate. The Royals will look to capitalize on their speed to gain any potential edge.
Baltimore, on the other hand, needs to maintain the offensive momentum they built late in the season. Their lineup’s ability to generate runs consistently will be crucial, especially against a Kansas City team that has shown resilience. Managerial decisions regarding bullpen usage and lineup adjustments could also play pivotal roles as the series progresses.
Should the series go to a deciding Game 3, Kansas City is prepared to send Michael Wacha to the mound. Meanwhile, Baltimore has confirmed Corbin Burnes as their starter for Game 1, aiming to set the tone early in the series.
Betting Odds and Series Stakes
For those interested in the betting aspect, the odds favor Baltimore slightly at BAL -155, while Kansas City stands at KC +130. The over/under is set at 7.0 runs, reflecting the anticipated tight competition between these two teams.
The stakes are high, as the winner of this series will advance to face the New York Yankees in the ALDS. Both teams are undoubtedly aware of the challenges ahead and will be giving it their all to secure a spot in the next round.
As the first pitch approaches, fans from Baltimore and Kansas City, and baseball enthusiasts everywhere, will be eagerly tuning in. The mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars promises to deliver a series full of excitement, strategy, and unforgettable moments.