The 2024 MLB playoffs are here, kicking off with the Wild Card Series -- four best-of-three showdowns, all taking place at the site of the higher-ranked seeds.
The winner of the series between the Kansas City Royals and Baltimore Orioles will square off in the best-of-five ALDS against the New York Yankees, beginning on Saturday, October 5.
For more on the MLB Playoffs, check out team odds to win the World Series and which players are favored to win post-season MVP honors.
All odds accurate as of publish time. For more, go to ESPN BET. 
Kansas City Royals at Baltimore Orioles
All games at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore
Series line: Royals (+150), Orioles (-180)
Series result: Royals sweep (+400), Royals in 3 (+325), Orioles in 3 (+190), Orioles sweep (+170)
Game 1, Tuesday, October 1: Royals 1, Orioles 0
Game 2, Wednesday, October 2, 4:38 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Game 2 line: Royals +1.5 (-160), Orioles -1.5 (+135)
Game 2 moneyline: Royals (+140), Orioles (-165)
Game 2 O/U: 7.5 runs, Over (-Even)/Under (-120)
Zola's picks
The Royals scored the only run in Game 1, rendering today a must-win for the Orioles. Perhaps this and home field advantage is why the Orioles are heavy favorites. However, with Orioles RHP Zach Eflin and Royals RHP Seth Lugo on the hill, it feels like a coin flip. In these instances, I prefer to bet the underdog, so it's the Royals and the money line.
Yesterday, Bobby Witt Jr. knocked in the only run of the game. Today I'm expecting a little more. Bet Witt to go over 2.5 total hits + runs + RBI (+120).
*Game 3, Thursday, October 3, 4:08 p.m. ET (ESPN)