This series has been full of tension, as the Royals won in their patented late-inning style. The away team took both games in Baltimore, leaving the Orioles fighting for their season as they head to Kansas City for Game 3. Will the Orioles fight back and make this a series, or will the Royals move a step closer to their first World Series in almost 30 years?
Starting Pitchers
Jeremy Guthrie (Royals): 13-11, 4.13 ERA. Guthrie is making his first postseason start, and it comes against the team he spent five seasons with. It won’t help that he hasn’t pitched since Sept. 26. However, he’s coming off three straight wins to end the regular season.
Wei-Yin Chen (Orioles): 16-6, 3.54 ERA. Chen had a terrible time with the Tigers in Game 2 of the ALDS, allowing five runs in 3.2 innings. He has been consistent this season, but will need to deliver one of his best starts against a thriving Royals offense.
Impact Hitters
Nelson Cruz (Orioles): Cruz has a record five straight games with at least two hits, further solidifying his case as one of the best postseason hitters of all-time. He’s 6-for-24 against Guthrie, but he could be successful against any pitcher.
Alejandro De Aza (Orioles): De Aza has been on fire this postseason, hitting safely in all four games. He’s batting .412 in those games and will face a familiar foe. He’s 8-for-32 lifetime against Guthrie.
Billy Butler (Royals): Butler had three hits and two RBIs in the two games in Baltimore. Despite batting .271 on the year, he could have a strong game. He’s 8-for-18 lifetime against Chen, including two home runs.
Eric Hosmer (Royals): Hosmer is as hot as they come this postseason, hitting in five of six games. He has two home runs and six RBIs in the Royals run. It will also help that he’s 7-for-17 against Chen.
Pitching Advantage: Chen may have struggled in his first start of this postseason, but he’s got more experience than Guthrie. He has also been more consistent than his opponent this season. The Royals’ bullpen has been much better than the Orioles’ bullpen, but it could change if the Orioles have a lead.
Hitting Advantage: The Royals have come up with the timely hits, especially home runs, so far in this series. With Butler and Hosmer due for strong days, the Royals offense could eclipse the Orioles again. However, Cruz and his team has been resilient and still have the statistical advantage.
Royals will Win Because Guthrie gives them six solid innings without allowing more than three runs. The bullpen enters with the lead and shuts down the Orioles offense late in the game.
Orioles will Win Because the offense finally gets out to a fast start and removes Guthrie from the game early. The bullpen and Chen holds on for the final few innings and Cruz adds a home run late for insurance.
Final Prediction
Orioles: 7
Royals: 4