Kansas City (86-76) at Baltimore (91-71)
- When: Oct 1 2024, 4:08 PM
- Where: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore
- Where to watch: ESPN2
Game Odds, Spread, Moneyline & Total
Kansas City Royals @ Baltimore Orioles
Moneyline
Kansas City Royals +141
Baltimore Orioles -170
Kansas City Royals @ Baltimore Orioles
Runline
Kansas City Royals 1.5 (-165)
Baltimore Orioles -1.5 (+140)
Kansas City Royals @ Baltimore Orioles
Total
Over 7.0 (EVEN)
Under 7.0 (-120)
- Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
Probable Pitchers:
Kansas City: Cole Ragans (11-9, 3.14)
Baltimore: Corbin Burnes (15-9, 2.92)
Team Stats
| Royals | Orioles | |
| 86-76 | Record | 91-71 |
| 41-40 | Away & Home | 47-34 |
| 4-6 | Last 10 | 7-3 |
| W1 | Streak | W3 |
Game Preview
The Orioles had their sights set on October when they acquired right-hander Corbin Burnes in February.
As a former Cy Young Award winner, Burnes has been a reliable presence in an injury-plagued rotation, helping Baltimore secure its second consecutive playoff berth.
After a solid first season with the team, Burnes is set to take the mound on Tuesday as the Orioles host the Kansas City Royals in the opening game of a best-of-three American League wild-card series.
"It’s an honor," Burnes remarked. "Getting the ball on Opening Day and in Game 1 of the postseason is a rare opportunity. I’ve been lucky to experience it a few times, and doing it in my first year here in Baltimore is special. This group has welcomed me from the start."
Burnes’ start on Tuesday is the culmination of eight months of preparation. He became the Orioles’ ace shortly after the team traded two prospects to the Milwaukee Brewers for him right before spring training.
The 29-year-old finished the season with a 15-9 record and a team-leading 2.92 ERA over 32 starts—eight more than any other pitcher on the roster. This will be his third playoff start and ninth postseason appearance in his seven-year career.
In the playoffs, Burnes has a record of 1-1 with a 2.84 ERA, including his previous experience in the National League wild-card round last year with the Brewers against the Arizona Diamondbacks. In that game, he allowed four runs on five hits, including three home runs, in four innings during the Brewers’ 6-3 loss to the eventual NL champions.
"Postseason baseball is a different beast," Burnes noted. "It’s not just about scoring the most runs; it’s about controlling the momentum."
In April, Burnes faced the Royals twice, giving up five runs in 11.1 innings while walking one and striking out seven.
On the mound for Kansas City will be left-hander Cole Ragans (11-9, 3.14 ERA), who will be making his playoff debut.
The 26-year-old has established himself as a solid young pitcher in his first full season with the Royals, following last year’s franchise-record tying 106 losses.
Ragans posted a remarkable 1.08 ERA in his four September starts and finished the season with 223 strikeouts, the fifth-most in the majors. He shut out the Orioles on one hit for 6.1 innings on April 3, but struggled in his second start against them, allowing seven runs in just 1.2 innings on April 20.
"I remember that second start well; it was a rough outing," Ragans said. "But I’m not letting that affect my preparation. Everyone is tough in the playoffs, so I’ll stick to my routine."
This marks the Royals’ first playoff appearance since their 2015 World Series win. The team has made a remarkable turnaround this season, improving by 30 wins from last year’s dismal record.
"We’re looking to create something new," said shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. "In Kansas City, the 2015 team is always talked about, and we want to build our own legacy."
Witt secured his first American League batting title with a league-best .332 average this season, hitting 32 home runs and stealing 31 bases, becoming the first shortstop in history to achieve multiple 30-30 seasons.
The 24-year-old is eager for his first taste of postseason play after finishing in last place in both of his previous seasons with Kansas City.
"It’s an amazing opportunity," Witt expressed. "Some players never get to experience the playoffs, so I plan to make the most of it and enjoy every moment."
MLB Parlay Picks & Predictions
Final Score: Baltimore 5-3
The Pick: Baltimore -170 & Over 7 (+100)
A $100 Parlay Bet will return $318
- MLB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
