The Orioles traded for ace pitcher Corbin Burnes for the best chance to win in October.
The 2024 All-Star did his part by keeping the Royals in check in Game 1 of the American League Wild Card Series before 41,506 at Camden Yards.
However, the Orioles have struggled with runners in scoring position throughout the second of half of the regular season and those problems persisted against the Royals in a mind-numbing 1-0 loss Oct. 1.
“I think everyone understands the position we are in,” Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said. “We need to win tomorrow. I don’t think it’s a team-meeting rally cry. Everyone understands what the situation is.”
The Orioles’ inability to manufacture runs has been a recurring nightmare.
Baltimore was just 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position, managed five hits, and stranded seven runners.
Burnes was outstanding before exiting in the ninth inning after allowing a leadoff single to Maikel Garcia. Burnes allowed just one run on five hits with three strikeouts and one walk in what could be his final appearance for Baltimore.
“He pitched absolutely fantastic,” Hyde said. “He has been showing you all year what kind of pitcher he is. He stepped up his game even more today.”
The Orioles threatened in the fifth when Ramon Urias hit a one-out double and was held at third after Cedric Mullins followed with a single. Cole Ragans struck out James McCann on three pitches and Gunnar Henderson on five to end the threat.
“We had opportunities early and just didn’t come through,” Henderson said. “[Ragans] threw the ball really well today. Hats off to him.”
Ragans allowed four hits with eight strikeouts and no walks after leaving the game at the end of the sixth because of left leg cramps.
That could have been a break for the Orioles, but they were just as ineffective against the relievers.
The Royals, meanwhile, played smart baseball and were more opportunistic with their scoring chances. Garcia earned a walk in the sixth and stole second. He took third on a ground out by Michael Massey and then scored on a two-out single by Bobby Witt Jr., the American League batting champion.
The Royals know how to manufacture runs and that could be the difference again for the Orioles.
The Orioles threatened again in the ninth when pinch hitter Ryan O’Hearn earned a leadoff walk in the ninth against Lucas Erceg. However, Adley Rutschman struck out, Colton Cowser lined out and pinch hitter Heston Kjerstad struck out swinging to end the game.
Kansas City needed just one run to win.
Following the game, the Orioles clubhouse was quiet and sullen.
“We created opportunities but we didn’t take advantage of them,” said Mullins, who had two hits. “Corbin did an amazing job to keep it where it was. We need to come back tomorrow with a fresh mindset and get after it.”
The Orioles are looking to avenge getting swept by the Royals in the 2014 AL Championship Series.
Instead, it could happen again.
“We have to turn the page,” Hyde said. “Our backs are against the wall. We have to play well tomorrow.”
See Also:
• Orioles Set 2024 American League Wild Card Series Roster
• Stan ‘The Fan’ Charles’ Power Rankings For The MLB Playoffs
• Orioles-Royals Playoff Preview
Photo Credit: Kenya Allen/PressBox