MLB Playoffs Divisional Round Schedule, Preview and Predictions: Kansas City Royals, Baltimore Orioles Face off in ALCS
Just two teams remain in the American League postseason, the Kansas City Royals and the Baltimore Orioles.
These two teams couldn't be more different from one another, but somehow here they are, just four wins away from the 2014 World Series. Both of these teams have looked unbeatable so far with a combined 7-0 record in the postseason.
Kansas City Royals
It feels like 1985 in Kansas City. The Royals successfully made the postseason by grabbing a wild-card spot for the first time in 29 years. Small ball, bunts, in-field hits, stolen bases and sacrifice hits continue to drive this team forward.
In a memorable American League Wild Card game against the Oakland Athletics, the Royals rallied down from 7-3 in the eighth inning. The Royals would eventually win the game in 12 innings, 9-8. This squad has shown all season long they can overcome and adapt to whoever they face. With just an 89-73 record, the Royals then stunned the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, who had the best record in all of baseball at 98-64.
The Royals swept the Angels three games to nothing in the AL Division series.
The Royals had the fewest home runs during the regular season with just 95, but the team's offense still produced the 14th most runs in all of baseball. Venezuelan shortstop Alcides Escobar has been the best hitter for the Royals all season. Jarrod Dyson continues to get on base and score runs for the Royals offense. The Royals led the entire league in stolen bases this season, and Manager Ned Yost is never afraid to give runners the green light.
The Royals were 4-3 against the Orioles in the regular season.
Baltimore Orioles
Contrary to the Royals, the Orioles ranked first in home runs but last in stolen bases during the regular season. Maybe opposites do attract. They will be in the 2014 ALCS. The Orioles were by far the best home run hitting team during the season with 211 long balls, the only team to hit more than 200 all season.
The Orioles dominated the American League East by winning the division over the New York Yankees by 12 games. The Orioles finished the season 96-66, their highest win total since the 1997 season when they won 98 games. After missing the postseason from 1998-2011, the Orioles have qualified for the playoffs two of the last three seasons.
Nelson Cruz and Adam Jones have been the most powerful hitters for the Orioles this season, and they will have their hands full against James Shields and the Royals pitching staff. The Orioles bats proved to be far too much for the Detroit Tigers in the ALDS. The Orioles outscored the Tigers 21-10 in a three game sweep.
Buck Showalter has proven to be one of the best managers in baseball.
Schedule
The Orioles have home field advantage in this series. Because both teams have played so well, and other series are continuing, this series won't begin until Friday, Oct. 10. Game two will be played the follow day, and Sunday both teams will get a rest. On Monday, the teams will play game three in Kansas City.
Prediction
This should be a long close series, as neither team has a single postseason loss yet. The Orioles have so many offensive weapons and home field advantage, but the Royals just won't give up. There's a good chance this series goes seven games. Timely hits will be the difference.
Royals win the series 4-3
For up-to-date sports news, scores, and more, follow Latin Post Sports on Twitter