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ALDS Game 5: Kansas City Royals top Houston Astros 7-2, advance to ALCS

By Tim Haberin

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The Kansas City Royals needed a dramatic eighth inning comeback on Monday to keep their postseason dreams alive. Though they fell behind once again during the decisive Game 5 of their ALDS matchup with the Houston Astros, it didn’t take quite as long for them to assume control. The Royals capped off the series with a convincing 7-2 victory, clinching an ALCS date with the Toronto Blue Jays.

The most vital individual performance for Kansas City came courtesy of starting pitcher Johnny Cueto. The former Cincinnati Reds ace took a considerable amount of flack for his inconsistency following the July trade that sent him to the Royals. But Cueto provided his team with the kind of big-game outing that it had in mind when it dealt for him a few months ago.

The right-hander initially seemed like he was headed for trouble once again, allowing a two-run homer to Luis Valbuena in the second inning that spotted the Astros an early 2-0 advantage. However, from that point forward Cueto was literally unhittable. He proceeded to retire the next 19 hitters in order, the longest such streak by an AL pitcher in the postseason since Don Larsen‘s perfect game in the 1956 World Series.

Cueto finished his night after completing eight innings, allowing only two runs on two hits. He racked up eight strikeouts and did not walk a batter. He was acquired to be a frontline starter in the postseason, and he filled that role brilliantly in a do-or-die elimination scenario.

The Royals got on the board in the fourth inning as first baseman Eric Hosmer singled in center fielder Lorenzo Cain to cut Houston’s lead in half. Salvador Perez led off the following frame by getting plunked by Astros starter Collin McHugh. Alex Gordon promptly hit a ground rule double to deep right field, setting KC up with runners at second and third with no outs.

Houston called on Mike Fiers from the bullpen, but the Royals lineup was ready to pounce. Veteran right fielder Alex Rios doubled to left, scoring Perez and Gordon to give Kansas City a 3-2 lead. Alcides Escobar bunted Rios over to third, and Ben Zobrist drove him in on a sacrifice fly to push the score to 4-2.

The Royals didn’t need any more runs with the way Cueto was pitching, but designated hitter Kendrys Morales padded their lead with a three-run home run in the bottom of the eighth. Closer Wade Davis tossed a scoreless ninth inning to wrap up a series-clinching 7-2 win.

With its season on the line, Kansas City could not have drawn it up much better, receiving great pitching and timely offense to nail down a solid victory and reach the American League Championship Series for the second year in a row.

The Royals will now turn their attention to the Blue Jays, who experienced a bit more intrigue and controversy in their own Game 5 battle. The teams last met in the ALCS in 1985, with Kansas City winning in seven games.

Thanks to a sweep of the Twins on the last weekend of the regular season that ensured them the best record in the AL, the Royals maintain home-field advantage for the ALCS. Game 1 is set for Friday at Kauffman Stadium.

Next: Blue Jays defeat Rangers to win ALDS

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