BALTIMORE – From a season marked by 106 losses to postseason play: The Kansas City Royals’ remarkable comeback is still unfolding.

Over two games, the Royals scored only three runs, with their star shortstop contributing a couple of crucial go-ahead singles that didn’t boast high exit velocity. This roster also saw almost a dozen players who were experiencing postseason baseball for the first time this week. Despite this, Kansas City managed to outplay the Baltimore Orioles, sweeping their American League wild-card series at Camden Yards.

Bobby Witt Jr. drove in the decisive run in the sixth inning of both Game 1 and Game 2. The latter secured a narrow 2-1 victory on Wednesday night, marking the Royals’ first trip to the American League Division Series since their 2015 championship win.

In the Division Series, they are set to face the top-seeded New York Yankees beginning Saturday. This rivalry is steeped in history, with New York defeating Kansas City in the AL Championship Series in 1976, 1977, and 1978, before the Royals claimed their revenge in 1980.

That was a long time ago in baseball terms. In today’s league, Witt stands out.

Witt had two hits on Wednesday, with his second being a sharp grounder up the middle while runners occupied the corners and there were two outs in the sixth inning. It was grabbed by a diving Jordan Westburg, but his throw wasn’t strong enough to get the speedy Witt out.

“Our whole season personified is hustle and heart,” stated Royals starter Seth Lugo after the match. “I’m just really proud of him for delivering consistently all year long.”

At that point, Kansas City’s often-overlooked bullpen took over, delivering 4 ⅔ innings of scoreless relief while striking out six batters. Lucas Erceg completed the performance with a solid ninth inning, sealing their trip to New York.

The Orioles, who won 91 games this season, faced a sweep in the opening round of the playoffs for the second year in a row. Baltimore now holds a streak of 10 consecutive playoff losses dating back to 2014 when they were swept by the Royals in the ALCS.

Here’s a recap of Wednesday’s game:

Royals lead heading into eighth inning

BALTIMORE – The Kansas City Royals stand just six outs away from moving forward to the American League Division Series, largely thanks to superstar Bobby Witt Jr.

Witt drove in the go-ahead run for the second straight game, helping the Royals to a 2-1 advantage after seven innings in Game 2 of their wild-card series at Camden Yards.

Following soft singles from Kyle Isbel and Michael Massey against Orioles left-handed reliever Cionel Perez, Yennier Cano stepped in to replace Perez. Witt then made a sharply hit ground ball that second baseman Jordan Westburg dove for but couldn’t secure a strong enough throw to retire Witt, the fastest player in the major leagues, allowing the go-ahead run to score with two outs.

Kansas City potently utilized their bullpen members Angel Zerpa, John Schreiber, and Sammy Long, who logged 2 2/3 innings of scoreless relief, racking up five strikeouts.

Orioles equalize against Royals: Game tied at 1-1 after 5 innings

BALTIMORE – The Orioles finally scored in the postseason, but they couldn’t capitalize on their chances.

Baltimore managed to chase Royals starter Seth Lugo from the game in the fifth inning during Game 2 after Cedric Mullins hit a solo home run, ending a scoreless stretch that lasted 18 playoff innings dating back to last season. However, they loaded the bases without any outs while the game was tied at 1-1.

Unfortunately, 44-home run hitter Anthony Santander popped out to Lugo for one out. Subsequently, Colton Cowser swung at a pitch from reliever Angel Zerpa that was so inside it hit him on the wrist. What could have been a hit-by-pitch turned into a strikeout, resulting in the second out of the inning.

Adley Rutschman then grounded out to the shortstop, ending a precious opportunity for the Orioles. With Lugo and Orioles starter Zach Eflin out of the game, the ensuing four innings would be a battle of the bullpens, as the Royals aimed for a two-game sweep.

– Gabe Lacques

Royals claim first-inning lead in Baltimore

BALTIMORE – After a tight Game 1 where runs were scarce, the Kansas City Royals quickly asserted their dominance in Game 2 of their AL wild-card series.

Michael Massey led off the game with a double down the right field line, later scoring on a single from the recently activated Vinnie Pasquantino, giving Kansas City a 1-0 lead after the first inning at Camden Yards.

Starter Seth Lugo faced a minor challenge in the first inning when he hit Jordan Westburg on the hand with one out, but he bounced back to strike out Anthony Santander and Colton Cowser to end the inning.

Orioles vs Royals starting lineups for Game 2

Predictions for the MLB Wild Card

Who will advance? Here’s how the YSL News Sports MLB team predicts this week will unfold.

Kansas City Royals (86-76) vs Baltimore Orioles (91-71)

• Bob Nightengale: Orioles in 3
• Gabe Lacques: Orioles in 2
• Steve Gardner: Orioles
  • Jesse Yomtov: Orioles in 2
  • Scott Boeck: Orioles in 3

   

  Detroit Tigers (86-76) at Houston Astros (88-73)

  • Bob Nightengale: Astros in 3
  • Gabe Lacques: Tigers in 2
  • Steve Gardner: Astros in 3
  • Jesse Yomtov: Astros in 3
  • Scott Boeck: Tigers in 3

  New York Mets (89-73) at Milwaukee Brewers (93-69)

  • Bob Nightengale: Brewers in 2
  • Gabe Lacques: Brewers in 2
  • Steve Gardner: Brewers in 2
  • Jesse Yomtov: Mets in 3
  • Scott Boeck: Brewers in 2

  Atlanta Braves (89-73) at San Diego Padres (93-69)

  • Bob Nightengale: Padres in 2
  • Gabe Lacques: Padres in 2
  • Steve Gardner: Padres in 2
  • Jesse Yomtov: Braves in 3
  • Scott Boeck: Padres in 2

   

  Royals successfully navigate first playoff challenge in Game 1

  BALTIMORE – Tuesday afternoon brought 2 hours and 25 minutes of intense playoff baseball, where the slightest mistake could prove costly. With a best-of-three format, either the Kansas City Royals or the Baltimore Orioles was set for a tough battle, knowing that losing would mean elimination just hours later.

   

  For ten players from the Kansas City Royals who participated in this game, it marked their first experience with postseason baseball. They faced not only a skilled Orioles team but also the challenge of managing their own nerves, staying composed, and knowing when to unleash their energy.

  The youngest roster in Major League Baseball handled the situation as if they were seasoned veterans.

  – Gabe Lacques