Deceiving...or not? Cole Ragans hits the postseason hot with a 1.08 ERA across four September starts for the Royals. But Kansas City's bully tendencies aren't necessarily going to play well in the postseason, where no teams like the White Sox or Angels, sorts KC feasted upon this season, will be anywhere in sight. The Royals are a popular upset pick in this series partly because the Orioles were a sub-.500 team since the middle of June. But if there is one starter the Birds can rely upon it's Corbin Burnes. who has emerged as staff ace and spun a 1.20 ERA in September.
Also, note that in the last three starts made by Burnes, he's allowed only 7 hits and 5 walks across 19 IP for an 0.75 WHIP. He's in the best form of any Baltimore pitcher and is the best bet for the O's to step up and give them a 1-0 lead in this series. Play Orioles on Run Line