The Kansas City Royals have not only survived this postseason on tremendous defense, solid pitching and clutch hitting — they’ve been able to dominate with all three.
Through five innings of Game 2 of the ALCS, Yordano Ventura was cruising along with more solid pitching. He wasn’t tearing down the house by any means, but he was keeping his team in a position to win the game. He was certainly doing a better job of it than James Shields did in Game 1.
But unfortunately for the Royals, Ventura’s outing ended abruptly. The rookie RHP started to experience shoulder tightness, and left the game with two outs in the top half of the sixth.
#Royals announce Yordano Ventura left game with right shoulder tightness. He is day-to-day. Game still tied mid-7th
— Heidi Watney (@HeidiWatney) October 11, 2014
Obviously after that tweet was sent out the Royals were able to grab the lead in the top of the ninth. They did it again this postseason using the most simple of philosophies, as Ernie Johnson pointed out during the broadcast — “get ‘em on, get ‘em over, get ‘em in.”
The other main story for KC in Game 2 was the play of Lorenzo Cain. The OF knocked in the go-ahead run, went 4 for 5 at the plate and once again dazzled in the outfield with his speed and glove. (Check out his amazing diving grab in the sixth inning HERE.)
Cain is quickly becoming the breakout star of the 2014 MLB Playoffs.
As for the Baltimore Orioles, they have zero momentum headed back to KC down 0-2. But it’s October baseball, so don’t write them off quite yet.
The Oakland Athletics continue to make a splash in the offseason by trading for Ben Zobrist and Yunel Escobar from the Tampa Bay Rays. Read More
The Atlanta Braves have a lot more moves to make before the start of the season. Take a look at these players the Braves should consider trading for. Read More
With multiple uncertainties in the starting rotation, it would be huge if the Detroit Tigers could get a breakout season out of newcomer Shane Greene. Read More
With the Tampa Bay Rays heading into a transitional season, here are five players they should still look to trade. Read More
The San Francisco Giants aren't as dangerous on paper as they were a season ago. Read More
It has been a long time since John Axford has been great. With a need for bullpen help, the Toronto Blue Jays should take a chance on him. Read More
The St. Louis Cardinals are reportedly interested in adding an ace, and signing James Shields would be the best way for them to do so. Read More
The NL Central boasts the best catchers in all of baseball. Here is how they rank heading into the 2015 season. Read More
Here is why Detroit Tigers catcher Alex Avila may benefit immensely from a strict platoon with James McCann in 2015. Read More
The Kansas City Royals made significant moves at the end of 2014, but the Chicago White Sox changed their team in a much bigger way. The Royals will now see far more of two well-liked former players. Read More
Will he be a Seattle Mariner or an Arizona Diamondback in the Hall of Fame? Either way, Randy Johnson's legacy will be remembered in Seattle long before it is forgotten. Read More
The Cincinnati Reds have lost a lot of organizational depth this winter. By adding Keyvius Sampson, they have a pitcher who has the talent to quickly surprise. Read More