Baltimore Orioles’ Nelson Cruz is forced out at second as Kansas City Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar throws to first to get Delmon Young during the second inning of Game 4 of the American League baseball championship series Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2014, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)
Kansas City Royals’ Alcides Escobar scores ahead of the tag from Baltimore Orioles catcher Caleb Joseph during the first inning of Game 4 of the American League baseball championship series Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2014, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)
The Kansas City Royals claimed a berth in the World Series for the first time in three decades after beating the Baltimore Orioles, 2-1, in Game Four of the American League Championship Series on Oct. 15 at Ewing F. Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. The Royals swept Baltimore, 4-0, in the best-of-seven series.
Kansas City scored their only two runs of the game in the first inning after shortstop Alcides Escobar singled to get on base and took second when right fielder Nori Aoki was hit by a pitch. Royals outfielder Lorenzo Cain, who was named the ALCS MVP, then hit a sacrifice bunt to move Escobar to third base. Escobar scored when first baseman Erik Hosmer hit a ground ball to reach base on a fielder’s choice, and Aoki added a second run when Orioles catcher Caleb Joseph missed a catch during a play at the plate.
Baltimore Orioles’ Ryan Flaherty (3) is congratulated by Jonathan Schoop after hitting a solo home run during the third inning of Game 4 of the American League baseball championship series against the Kansas City Royals Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2014, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Baltimore cut the score to 2-1 in the top of the third inning with a home run by third baseman Ryan Flaherty. But it was the Orioles’ lone run and one of only two hits allowed by Royals starter Jason Vargas, who lasted into the sixth inning. Vargas was perfect the rest of the way before being relieved and, just as they did all series long, the Royals went to their best three relief pitchers: Kevin Herrera, Wade Davis and Greg Holland. The trio kept the Orioles off the scoreboard through the final three innings.
Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Miguel Gonzalez throws during the second inning of Game 4 of the American League baseball championship series against the Kansas City Royals Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2014, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Baltimore starter Miguel Gonzalez pitched a strong game, allowing just four hits and one earned run in six inning of work. Darren O’Day, Andrew Miller and Zach Britton also delivered strong efforts out of the Orioles bullpen.
With the win, Kansas City maintained a perfect 8-0 record during its postseason run. They’ll try to maintain perfection in the World Series, where they’ll face the winner of the National League Championship Series between the St. Louis Cardinals and San Francisco Giants. The Giants currently lead the Cardinals, 2-1, in the best-of-seven series.
The World Series is scheduled to start Oct. 20.
