Royals Clinch First Postseason Berth Since 1985
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Zoonar/Thinkstock(CHICAGO) — For the first time in 29 years, the Kansas City Royals are heading to the playoffs. Kansas City clinched their first postseason berth since 1985 with a 3-1 win over the Chicago White Sox on Friday night, ending the longest playoff drought in any of the four major North American sports.
Jeremy Guthrie (13-11) tossed seven scoreless innings for the Royals (88-72), who scored three times in the first inning. Norichika Aoki tripled, scoring Alcides Escobar, while a pair of RBI singles from Lorenzo Cain and Billy Butler added to the advantage.
It the White Sox (72-88) until the eighth inning before finally scoring, getting an RBI single from Alexei Ramirez. In the bottom of the ninth, Greg Holland retired the side in order, getting Michael Taylor to pop up to secure the win. The last time Kansas City was in the postseason, George Brett led the squad to a World Series title over the St. Louis Cardinals.
The Royals are still in contention for the AL Central division crown. The Detroit Tigers sit just one game ahead in the standings with two contests left in the regular season.
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