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The Kansas City Royals just continue to surprise, beating the Los Angeles Angels 8-3, sweeping them as they advance to the ALCS to take on the Baltimore Orioles.
Here’s how it happened:
Mike Trout Scored 1st, But the Royals Struck Back in a Busy 1st Inning
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Mike Trout, who had gone 0-8 in the first two games, made the statement the Angels desperately needed with a solo home run in the top of the first.
The Royals, though, wasted no time in taking the lead. With two outs in the bottom of the first, Alex Gordon hit a double off the wall in left-center field, clearing the bases to give the Royals a 3-1 lead. Angels starter C.J. Wilson was taken out of the game after the double, pitching only two-thirds of an inning.
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The Royals would not trail the rest of the game.
Home Runs Powered the Royals in the Middle Innings
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The Royals’ core of young hitters shined in the middle of this game. Eric Hosmer smashed a two run homer to center field, his second of the series, in the bottom of the third to give the Royals a 5-1 lead.
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Albert Pujols hit a solo homer in the top of the fourth to cut the lead down, but Mike Moustakas, the Royals’ hero of game one, countered with his own homer to put Kansas City up 6-2.
Lorenzo Cain’s Defense Saved Runs in the 5th
The Angels started a rally in the top of the fifth, with two men on and one out. But Royals center fielder Lorenzo Cain put a stop to it with his glove, making consecutive diving catches! One to rob Albert Pujols of a hit, and another right after to rob Howie Kendrick. Two great plays in a row, from the same player!
James Shields Was Solid in 6 Innings
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Whereas C.J. Wilson couldn’t finish a single inning for the Angels, James Shields was calm and collected and pitched the reliable type of game he’s known for. Shields pitched six innings, giving up two runs and striking out six. The bullpen took care of the rest, as Greg Holland struck out Angels phenom Mike Trout to end the game and series, leading Kansas City to their first championship series since 1985!
Kansas City fans have waited 29 years for a season like this. Now, they’re four wins away from a World Series.
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Angels vs. Royals: Score, Stats & Highlights