The three-game series wraps up on Sunday as the Kansas City Royals (85-75, 3rd AL Central) face off against the Atlanta Braves (87-71, 2nd NL East). The series began on Friday, where the Braves secured a 3-0 victory. The outcome of Saturday’s game will be revealed later. Following this series, the Braves will have a doubleheader against the Mets on Monday due to two games being postponed because of Hurricane Helene, contingent on both teams still vying for playoff positions. This game marks the end of Kansas City’s regular season. Neither team has confirmed their starting pitcher for the matchup. The first pitch is scheduled for 3:20 EST at Truist Park in Atlanta.
Royals Secure Wild Card Spot Amidst Playoff Buzz
The Kansas City Royals have officially clinched a Wild Card spot and will be heading into the playoffs after this game. They are slated to compete in the Wild Card round, facing either the Houston Astros or the Baltimore Orioles away from home. The format consists of a best-of-three series, with all games played at the higher seed’s venue. Despite finishing with a 40-39 road record this season, the Royals are poised for a challenge. In their prior game against Atlanta, the Royals were shut out, yet they celebrated in the locker room as they secured their postseason berth thanks to a loss by Seattle.
Before diving into the playoffs, the Royals still have this game against the Braves to conclude the regular season. The Braves, in contrast, are fighting for their own playoff spot, adding importance to this matchup. Leading the Royals is shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., who boasts impressive stats, including 32 home runs, 109 RBIs, and a .332 batting average. Salvador Perez, usually a catcher, has also contributed significantly, with 27 home runs and 104 RBIs while batting .271. However, Vinnie Pasquantino, another key hitter, is sidelined with a thumb injury and will miss this game while aiming for a postseason return.
As for pitching, the Royals rank 8th in the MLB with a team ERA of 3.79. They have yet to announce their starting pitcher but may opt for a bullpen player or a less-utilized starter, considering the quick turnaround to playoff games starting Tuesday.
Braves Aim for Momentum Amid Playoff Pressure
In their pursuit of a playoff berth, the Atlanta Braves are striving to maintain their winning streak. Although they have not yet clinched a spot, they are in a favorable position to secure a Wild Card if circumstances align favorably. With six wins in their last seven games, the Braves are looking to continue this momentum against the Royals, who have already secured their postseason position. The playoff race is tight, with the Braves, Mets, and Diamondbacks battling for three spots. Atlanta’s two-game showdown against the Mets on Monday could be pivotal in determining their playoff fate.
Every victory is crucial for the Braves, leading to expectations that all available starters will take the field. Marcell Ozuna has emerged as the team’s standout player this season, leading with 39 home runs, 102 RBIs, and a .302 batting average, hitting third in the lineup as a designated hitter. Following him, first baseman Matt Olson has contributed 29 home runs and 98 RBIs, showcasing his power-hitting abilities. The lineup also features centerfielder Michael Harris II, who has added 19 home runs and nine stolen bases, batting .264. Ozzie Albies rounds out the infield, providing solid defense and contributing nine home runs and 48 RBIs.
Atlanta has yet to name their starting pitcher for this game. They hold the second-best ERA in Major League Baseball at 3.49, slightly behind the Seattle Mariners at 3.48. Both teams excel at limiting home runs, with the Royals allowing the fewest in the league at 144 and the Braves closely following with 146.
Strategic Insights for Royals vs. Braves
As the first pitch approaches, the Royals will likely be aware of their first-round playoff opponent. Regardless, they will be on the road for the Wild Card round, as the Orioles have already claimed the top Wild Card spot. The Braves, needing to secure victories, face an intense schedule with the doubleheader against the Mets looming, making this game against Kansas City essential. Atlanta will likely adopt an aggressive approach, prioritizing a win to bolster their playoff chances. With six victories in their recent outings, the Braves appear to be finding their rhythm after overcoming previous injuries. The Royals, on the other hand, might rest some of their key players, potentially yielding a favorable outcome for Atlanta.
Expect the Braves to come out on top.
