1. First to the Plate!

Which team will score first in each game? In the seven head-to-head match-ups between the Royals and Orioles this season, the team that scored first won all seven games. Similarly, in the ALDS the team to score first won five of the six contests.

2. Will the Royals’Eric Hosmer and Orioles’ JJ Hardy continue to drive in runs as they have this postseason?

Hosmer is red-hot and his ability to change the game with one swing makes opposing pitchers attack the Royals line-up more cautiously. He’s had success against some of the O’s LHPs, hitting .412 with 2 HRs vs. Chen and .444 with a 2B against Miller. JJ Hardy is a difference-maker in the Orioles current line-up, hitting from the 6th spot. With less experience and lighter hitting players occupying the 7-9 slots, Hardy’s ability to capitalize on RBI situations is key to the Orioles’ offensive success.

3. Front of the Rotation Royalty

James Shields and Yordy Ventura are the top two starters for the Royals and enjoyed success against the Orioles earlier this year. The duo started two games each, with Shields going 2-0 while pitching 7-innings in both contests and Ventura going 1-1 with 8-shutout innings in his victory and 6 1/3 innings allowing just two earned runs in a 2-1 loss. Yordy struck out a combined 17 over his 14 1/3 innings. Similar outings from these two starters in the ALCS could make it very difficult on the Orioles’ hitters.