After being on the ropes in game four of the ALDS and coming back to force game five, the Royals provided a dominating performance at home Wednesday night to give the Houston Astros the final blow to end the series. For the second year in a row, the Kansas City Royals have advanced to the American League Championship Series.
Johnny Cueto, who the Royals picked up in a mid-season trade to the Cincinnati Reds, dominated in eight innings of work, only surrendering two runs. After giving up an Astros home run in the 2nd inning, Cueto went on to retire 19 batters in a row.
Royals Advance to ALCS
The Houston Astros held a two run lead early on the game, but surrendered a run in the fourth off an Eric Hosmer RBI, and ultimately would give up the lead with three runs being scored in the fifth. The final offensive blow came in the eighth inning after a three run home run by Kendrys Morales.
The Royals sent Wade Davis into a roaring Kauffman Staidum in the ninth to earn the save to end the game 7-2, and the series 3-2.
The Kansas City Royals will go on to face the Toronto Blue Jays this Friday, who clinched their spot in the ALCS earlier in the day against the Texas Rangers.
For the Houston Astros, it was a season not to be ashamed of. The team soared well above expectations, and provided a successful year to a franchise that hasn’t seen much success since long before the team moved into the American League West division.
The Kansas City Royals will face a heavy offensive Toronto Blue Jays lineup with Josh Donaldson, Jose Buatista, and Troy Tulowiski.
Unlike last year’s postseason run, the Royals will be the more experienced team having played all the way up into game 7 of last year’s World Series. The Royals will also be aided by having home field advantage in the series.
Game 1 of the ALCS will take place this Friday in Kansas City.
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