The Kansas City Royals and Baltimore Orioles prepare for game two of their wildcard series on Wednesday afternoon. Following a narrow 1-0 loss in the opener, the Orioles find themselves on the edge of elimination, marking nine consecutive postseason defeats. The pitching duel features Royals’ all-star right-hander Seth Lugo (16-9, 3.00) against Orioles righty Zach Eflin (10-9, 3.59). The first pitch is set for 4:30 pm EST.
Royals Look to Lugo for Series Clincher
The Kansas City Royals, who endured over 100 losses in 2023, are now one win away from advancing to the ALDS after their 1-0 victory over the Orioles in the first game of their best-of-three wildcard series. Star pitcher Cole Ragans delivered six scoreless innings before exiting with a sore calf, while shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. provided the game’s only run with a sixth-inning single. Witt’s hit brought home Maikel Garcia, who had reached base through a walk, stolen second, and advanced to third on a groundout. Ragans struck out eight batters and allowed only four hits, demonstrating his effectiveness on the mound. The Royals’ bullpen maintained the lead over three scoreless innings, capped by Lucas Erceg’s 1.1 innings of solid relief to secure the save.
The Royals will now hand the ball to Seth Lugo, their standout free-agent signing from the offseason. Lugo has proven to be a key asset since joining from San Diego, earning an All-Star selection and leading the team with 16 wins. Out of 33 games, he delivered 22 quality starts, showcasing consistency. On the road, he boasts a 9-3 record with a 2.62 ERA, striking out 98 batters in 99.2 innings of work. However, Lugo’s previous encounter with the Orioles did not go as planned; he holds a 0-1 record against them, having allowed nine hits and two home runs in a 5.1-inning outing.
Orioles Turn to Eflin for Hope
The Baltimore Orioles faced another postseason setback with their 1-0 loss to the Royals on Tuesday. This defeat extended their playoff losing streak to nine games, making Wednesday’s matchup a must-win situation to avoid elimination. Starter Corbin Burnes delivered a commendable performance, going eight innings while allowing just five hits and one run, but the Orioles’ offense faltered, mustering only five hits and leaving seven runners on base. Key players Gunnar Henderson, Anthony Santander, and Adley Rutschman struggled significantly, going a combined 0-for-11 with four strikeouts.
In a crucial moment, the Orioles will rely on Zach Eflin, their key trade acquisition from the Rays, to keep their postseason dreams alive. Eflin has a season record of 10-9 in 28 starts and a solid 5-2 record in 11 outings with the Orioles since his arrival. His performance includes 13 quality starts, and he will benefit from a well-rested bullpen after Burnes’ lengthy outing on Tuesday. Eflin’s home record stands at 5-3, with a 2.66 ERA in 11 starts. Although he secured a win against the Royals earlier in the season, he faced difficulties, giving up seven hits and six runs in just five innings.
Key Insights for Royals vs. Orioles Showdown
The Royals possess a formidable one-two pitching combination, making them a challenging opponent in this short series. Ragans set the tone with his six shutout innings, and Lugo is expected to continue that trend. His impressive road stats, including a 2.62 ERA and a 9-3 record, indicate he is capable of handling the pressure. Meanwhile, the Orioles have struggled offensively, particularly in high-stress situations during the postseason. Their recent playoff history may weigh heavily on their minds, especially with star hitters like Rutschman and Henderson not performing at their peak. Rutschman’s batting average has dipped to .201 since the All-Star break, while Henderson’s power has waned, contributing to the Orioles’ overall struggles. The key for the Orioles will be to score early, but Lugo has historically excelled in the first inning with a 1.91 ERA. If the Orioles cannot capitalize early, the Royals are likely to secure the series victory on Wednesday.
