The Kansas City Royals now have the chance to complete their second sweep after the team's bullpen pitched four perfect innings to close out Game 3 against the Baltimore Orioles. That unit is putting together a 1.59 ERA while opponents are hitting just .175 off them. Now, that bullpen will help get the Royals to the World Series as they are just one win away from keeping the magical postseason alive.
The Orioles hope to keep their playoff dreams alive as Miguel Gonzalez takes the mound, having not pitched since Sept. 28. Gonzalez has struggled when coming off lengthy rest. The pitcher has a 4.53 ERA in nine starts off six days rest which is two runs higher than his normal rotation spot. The pressure is on the pitcher who suffered one of his worst career outings against Kansas City, giving up six runs and eight hits in four innings. Not to mention, the Royals batting lineup has been killing it with singles that turn into doubles from stolen basis.
The Royals will send Jason Vargas to the mound in hopes that he can put the finishing touches on the ALCS series against Baltimore. The pitcher has been in the spot before, getting momentum moving for the team against the Angels. Now he is looking to win Kansas City their eight straight playoff game. Vargas held the Angels to two runs off three hits while pitching into the sixth innings of the Game 1 win. The start of Vargas is a bit surprising considering most would assume James Shields would get the start. However, that would be putting the pitcher out on short rest. Vargas has put together a strong postseason after ending the season going 0-3 with a 9.00 ERA in four starts. Against Baltimore, Vargas is 2-3 with a 1.94 ERA in eight starts.
The Kansas City Royals are once again on the verge of completing a sweep in the postseason. Only this time things are a bit different. A win in Game 4 takes the team to the World Series. The Royals have managed to shock the league when they first made the playoffs altogether. Then they won the Wild Card game before sweeping the Los Angeles Angels out of the AL Division Series. Now, they prepare to face the Baltimore Orioles to once again defy odds.
Listen Online 2014 ALCS Game 4, click here.
