Kansas City Royals (86-76) vs. Baltimore Orioles (91-71)
The postseason buzz is thick in the air as the Kansas City Royals take on the Baltimore Orioles in the American League Wild Card Game 1 on a cold evening of one October day. With the better record, the Orioles welcome the Kansas City Royals to the Oriole Park at Camden Yards, a venue that is set up for what should be an enthralling clash with the titans. As we move deeper into this clash, our attention is not merely on the contest but on providing winning MLB picks that tip the balance for passionate punters.
The Kansas City Royals have had a decent season, but one would not be wrong to argue that they have had these problems lately. Royals season ended with 86 wins; frankly, it was a stretch for the Royals to reach that number. They have been on a losing skid even more so when they go on the road and face tough opposition such as the Orioles. In their last five matches, when they had to face some of the best teams in the league, they were only able to win two, and looking ahead, there will be areas that a well-drilled Orioles outfit could take advantage of.
In contrast, the Baltimore Orioles have picked up the pace and finished their regular season with 91 wins. The Orioles are equipped with sluggers and the usual slight edge in defense over the Royals. The recent wins, including the victory over Minnesota, where they dominated the game, show they are ready for the postseason. What makes them even more dangerous is that they have such a strong surge and comfort of playing at their home turf where historically, they have had the upper hand over the Royals at Camden Yards.
Kansas City Royals vs. Baltimore Orioles Game Info
| When: | Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at 4:08 PM ET |
| Where: | Oriole Park at Camden Yards |
| TV: | ESP2, Fubo |
| Stream: | MLB.TV |
Cole Ragans (11-9 W-L, 3.14 ERA) vs. Corbin Burnes (15-9 W-L, 2.92 ERA)
Cole Ragans of the Royals has given a commendable walk of 3.14 ERA, hurling an impressive 223 strikeouts, which indicates that he can douse the bats of his opponents. But these impressive numbers do not tell the whole truth as Ragans on the other hand has had struggles away from home and against superior sides like the Orioles. Whether he is in the playoff atmosphere or on the road in front of a hostile crowd will determine how far the Royals go in the postseason.
Corbin Burnes, on the other hand, out for the Orioles, is equally strong, with a 2.92 ER and 181 strikeouts. It would be reasonable to assert that it is Burnes’ presence for the rest of the season that the Orioles will be grateful for, especially considering how well he has been pitching this season with an adept mastery over game timing and effective game strategy. This might offer an advantage to the Orioles in this key contest as compared to Ragans; he is steadier and allows fewer home runs.
MLB Odds/Point Spread: Baltimore Orioles -148, Total Odds: 7
The betting odds favor the Orioles, reflecting their strong season finish and superior head-to-head record against the Royals. The total set at 7 runs suggests a tight contest, likely dominated by strong pitching and strategic play, with the potential for under hitting as seen in recent trends for both teams.
Kansas City Royals Betting Trends
The Royals’ recent games have predominantly seen totals going UNDER, a trend that might continue given the high stakes and pressure of the postseason. Their struggles on the road and against teams with strong pitchers should be a key consideration for bettors leaning towards the Royals.
Baltimore Orioles Betting Trends
Baltimore’s OVER trend in recent games contrasts with the Royals’, adding an intriguing layer to betting strategies. Their ability to perform under postseason pressure, despite recent home game stumbles, suggests resilience and a potential to outscore expectations, especially with their robust lineup.
Kansas City Royals vs. Baltimore Orioles 10/1/24 Betting Picks
Considering the comprehensive data and trends, the Orioles appear poised to capitalize on their home advantage and recent form. Their offensive firepower and strategic depth, coupled with Burnes’ pitching, might be too much for the Royals to handle in this initial wild card game.
For bettors, focusing on the Orioles to cover the spread seems prudent, with potential value in exploring UNDER on total runs given the historical pitching duels between these two. As always, keep an eye on live updates and pitcher warm-up sessions for any last-minute shifts that could sway the best live betting options.
Free Pick and Prediction: Baltimore Orioles 4, Kansas City Royals 2
