MLB Playoff Schedule 2014: Updated ALDS, NLDS Bracket, Day 4 Predictions

The 2014 MLB playoff schedule has been packed with marquee matchups in both the American and National League Division Series, and Day 4 continues that streak with two games baseball fans can’t afford to miss.

The first game of the afternoon is Baltimore at Detroit. The Tigers will be sending midseason acquisition David Price to the mound to counteract Baltimore’s Bud Norris. On the other hand, the battle between the Kansas City Royals' James Shields and Los Angeles Angels' C.J. Wilson will be the perfect way to close out the weekend.

It's a good time to be a baseball fan.

Here is the full Day 4 schedule, the link to the full official brackets and a preview of the game you can’t miss Sunday.

Matchups	Series	Time (ET)	TV	Predicted Winner
Baltimore at Detroit	BAL, 2-0	3:45 p.m.	TBS	Detroit
LA Angels at Kansas City	KC, 2-0	7:37 p.m.	TBS	LA Angels

*Updated bracket for both division series at MLB.com.

Gregory Bull/Associated Press

Sunday’s Must-Watch Matchup: Los Angeles Angels vs. Kansas City Royals

The key to success for Los Angeles on Sunday is not letting the game get to the 11th inning. The first two games took place in the Angels’ building, and Kansas City managed to win both thanks to 11th-inning home runs.

The Royals were dead last in home runs during the regular season, but they have hit two of the most timely bombs when they needed them the most. Mike Moustakas was the hero in Game 1, and Eric Hosmer hit the go-ahead home run in the second game of the series.

NBC Sports' Twitter account highlighted the home run hitting stars:

While Kansas City is only one win away from advancing to the next round, the Angels are too strong to go out without a fight. Despite Albert Pujols, Josh Hamilton and Mike Trout amassing just one combined hit through the first two games, the power-hitting trio can explode for an offensive onslaught at any moment.

For Los Angeles fans, the offensive explosion better happen Sunday.

Pujols spoke to Billy Witz of The New York Times about the hole his team finds itself in and how the Angels plan on making the comeback:

"

It’s tough; it’s stressful. Nobody wants to be 0-2. But they call it best out of five for a reason. They know we have a great team that can win three games in a row. So obviously they’re in good shape right now, but they know they can’t feel too comfortable.

"

At some point, the heavy hitters for Los Angeles have to come out of their slump and post big numbers. With the team on the brink of elimination, the team must find its rhythm Sunday or the Angels will be heading back to LA with an ugly sweep on their hands.

As good as the Royals have been through the first two games, Pujols and the Angles have the stats to back up their offense prowess. After finishing the regular season with a league-high 773 runs, Sunday should be the team’s opportunity to break out with an elite performance.

For Los Angeles to get the win in Game 3, the hitters must get to Shields early. In his one start against the Angels this season, the Royals pitcher allowed four runs in six innings, including two home runs.

If Hamilton and Trout can find an offensive rhythm early in the game, LA will be able to pull out the win on the road and extend the series for at least another game. Even if the Angels lose the series, the team doesn’t want to get swept in the first round.

Predicted Final Score: Los Angeles 8, Kansas City 5

*Stats via MLB.com.

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