Game 1 of the 2024 ALDS will feature the New York Yankees facing off against the Kansas City Royals on Saturday evening. The Yankees, coming in as the No. 1 seed in the American League, had an impressive record of 94-68 in the regular season. On the other hand, the Royals managed to sweep the Baltimore Orioles in their Wild Card Series.
The pitching matchup for Game 1 will see Michael Wacha (13-8, 3.35 ERA) taking the mound for the Royals, while Gerrit Cole (8-5, 3.41 ERA) will be starting for the Yankees. Cole, with a 10-6 record and a stellar 2.93 ERA in 17 career MLB playoff starts, will look to lead the Yankees to victory in the series opener.
The game is scheduled to start at 6:38 p.m. ET, with the Yankees initially favored at -190 in the money line. However, the latest odds now list them at -203, indicating a strong backing for the home team. The over/under for total runs scored in the game is set at 7.5, with the Over favored at -119.
For those looking to place bets on the game, it’s advisable to check out the MLB predictions and betting advice from SportsLine’s computer model. The model, which has a solid track record of 32-17 on top-rated run-line picks, has made its picks for the Yankees vs. Royals matchup.
When it comes to key players to watch, the Yankees boast center fielder Aaron Judge, who had a phenomenal season with a .322 batting average, 58 home runs, and 144 RBI. Judge’s power at the plate and consistent hitting make him a formidable threat for the Royals to contend with.
On the Royals side, shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. stands out as a top performer, leading the team in multiple offensive categories including batting average, home runs, and RBI. Witt Jr.’s all-around talent and defensive skills make him a key player to watch in the series.
As the game approaches, fans and bettors alike will be keeping a close eye on the matchup between these two talented teams. With the odds favoring the Yankees and the Royals looking to continue their momentum from the Wild Card Series, Game 1 of the ALDS is shaping up to be an exciting and competitive showdown.
