The Orioles are doing their best to stay fresh as they wait to host the Texas Rangers Saturday

While the Texas Rangers and Tampa Bay Rays battled it out in St. Petersburg, Florida, in the wild-card series, the Orioles faced each other in a simulated game at Camden Yards on Wednesday.

The team held an open practice for fans to watch from the stands as Baltimore’s pitchers, position players and coaches got as ready as possible for the American League Division Series — the team’s first playoff game since 2016, and the first postseason game ever for many of these young players.

Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Yennier Cano (78) pitches during a simulated game at Camden Yards on Wednesday, October 4, 2023. The Baltimore Orioles are preparing for their first postseason game in the ALDS against the Texas Rangers on Saturday. — Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Yennier Cano (78) pitches during a simulated game at Camden Yards on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023. (Ulysses Muñoz/The Baltimore Banner)

Young Baltimore Orioles fans beg shortstop Gunnar Henderson for autographs after a simulated game at Camden Yards on Wednesday, October 4, 2023. The Baltimore Orioles are preparing for their first postseason game in the ALDS against the Texas Rangers on Saturday. — Young Baltimore Orioles fans beg shortstop Gunnar Henderson for autographs after a simulated game at Camden Yards on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023. (Ulysses Muñoz/The Baltimore Banner)

They didn’t know it during practice, but not long after it ended the Orioles found out that the Rangers had swept the Rays in two straight wild-card games to advance to Game One of the ALDS in Baltimore. The five-game series will begin at 1 p.m. at Camden Yards on Saturday.

And even if you’re not familiar with baseball or how the postseason works, it’s an exciting time for Baltimore, so why not tune into a game or two if you’ve got time? And don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a guide to the playoffs.