Royals Sweep Angels, Meet Orioles in ALCS

Brian D. Kersey/Getty Images(KANSAS CITY) — In their first playoff appearance since 1985, the Kansas City Royals swept the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday, reaching the American League Championship Series (ALCS). The 8-3 margin was the largest in the best-of-five series after Kansas City won two games in Los Angeles in extra innings.

“I’ve never seen this group of kids so confident on the big stage,” said manager Ned Yost. “It’s really fun to see their development and watch them come into the postseason and just really take their game to the next level.”

The Angels, who earned homefield advantage by having the leagues best regular-season record, took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first when Mike Trout homered off James Shields for his first-ever postseason hit. That lead quickly evaporated in the bottom half of the inning when the Royals’ Alex Gordon drove in three runs with a double off C.J. Wilson, chasing the Los Angeles starter.

Kansas City added to the lead in the third inning on Eric Hosmer’s second homer of the playoffs, a two-run shot to center. Albert Pujols tried to spark a rally for the Angels with a solo shot of his own, but that was all Los Angeles could muster off Shields.

“Big Game” James went six strong innings, allowing two runs on six hits while striking out six, while the offense added two runs in the fourth and another in the sixth. Wade Davis gave up a run in the eighth but the bullpen shut down an otherwise punchless Angels offense.

The Royals will now meet the Baltimore Orioles, who swept Detroit earlier in the day, in the best-of-seven ALCS. Game One is Friday night in Baltimore.

Follow @ABCNewsRadio
Copyright 2014 ABC News Radio