Royals Rely on Cole Ragans as Orioles Turn to Ace Corbin Burnes
Kansas City Royals and Baltimore Orioles Set for AL Wildcard Showdown: A Deep Dive into Game One
As the 2024 MLB postseason kicks off, the Kansas City Royals are ready to battle the Baltimore Orioles in the American League Wildcard round, commencing Tuesday afternoon in Baltimore. The Orioles, as the higher seed, have the home advantage for this best-of-three series, having concluded the regular season with a commendable 91-71 record. Their efforts this season included a strong performance against the Royals, where they clinched four out of six matchups.
Royals on the Rebound
After a dismal 100-loss season in 2023, the Kansas City Royals have turned the tide, clinching a Wildcard berth with an impressive 86-76 record. This turnaround has made them one of the most compelling stories in baseball, demonstrating resilience and growth. Central to their success is MVP candidate Bobby Witt Jr., alongside a robust pitching rotation that has significantly improved over the past year.
Despite finishing 13th in runs scored, 10th in batting average, and 12th in slugging percentage, the Royals have shown a knack for clutch performances. A pivotal piece in their lineup, first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino, is expected to play a critical role despite lingering concerns about his health. His left-handed bat could prove essential, particularly in pinch-hitting scenarios.
Cole Ragans: The Key to Kansas City’s Hopes
The Royals will rely on left-hander Cole Ragans as their Game One starter. Since joining Kansas City via trade from the Texas Rangers, Ragans has emerged as the team’s ace, showcasing remarkable consistency. Over the course of the season, he posted an 11-9 record across 32 starts, boasting a 3.14 ERA and a WHIP of 1.14. His ability to generate strikeouts is impressive, as he fanned 223 batters in 186 innings.
Ragans’ road performance has been particularly noteworthy, as he achieved a 4-4 record with a stellar 2.87 ERA in 15 away games. However, he faced challenges against the Orioles earlier this season, accumulating a 0-1 record and an unsettling 7.88 ERA in two starts. With eight innings pitched against Baltimore, he conceded 10 hits and walked two, although he did strike out 11.
Orioles: Aiming for Redemption
While the Baltimore Orioles aimed to clinch a second consecutive AL East title, they still find themselves back in the postseason for the second year running. The squad is buoyed by a dynamic lineup led by Anthony Santander, who has been a force with 44 home runs and 102 RBIs. This young team, benefiting from last year’s playoff experience, ranked second in baseball for home runs, fourth in runs scored per game, and third in slugging percentage.
Corbin Burnes: The Ace Baltimore Needs
To solidify their playoff aspirations, the Orioles acquired ace Corbin Burnes during the offseason, recognizing the need for a true front-line starter. Burnes has delivered on that front, wrapping up the regular season with a 15-9 record, featuring 22 quality starts and a remarkable 2.92 ERA. His WHIP stands at 1.10, and he has struck out 181 batters in 194.1 innings pitched.
At home, Burnes has been particularly effective, recording an 8-5 record in 17 starts with an ERA of 2.94. He faced the Royals twice during the regular season, going 1-0 with a 3.97 ERA. In total, he allowed 13 hits over 11.1 innings, walking one and striking out seven.
Conclusion
As the stage is set for this highly anticipated Wildcard matchup, fans can expect a compelling duel between Ragans and Burnes. The game promises to be a showcase of emerging talent and seasoned prowess, encapsulating the excitement of playoff baseball.
With the first pitch scheduled for 4:00 PM EST, all eyes will be on Camden Yards as these two teams strive to advance in the playoffs. Can the Royals continue their resurgence, or will the Orioles capitalize on their home field and playoff experience? One thing is certain: this matchup is poised to be a thrilling encounter in the 2024 MLB postseason.
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