Morning Marquee: Royals, Orioles sweep; Will clash in ALCS

The Kansas City Royals and the Baltimore Orioles had no desire to drag out their postseason with extra games in the division round. Both were ready to get to the ALCS, and neither will have to wait for the other.

The Orioles dispatched of another Cy-Young winner, as Bud Norris outdueled David Price in the 2-1 O’s victory. Nelson Cruz hit a two-run shot in the sixth, and it would be enough as the O’s victory gave manager Buck Showalter his first career postseason series victory.

The Orioles had to defeat the last three Cy-Young winners in the AL to get here, and they did just that. Showalter, often known for his unorthodox style, intentionally walked they tying run on base in the ninth. But O’s closer got the double play, and now they prepare for another unlikely participant in the ALCS, the KC Royal.

Baseball is alive and well in Kansas City after 30 years. The Royals completed their sweep of the Los Angeles Angels with a convincing 8-3 victory.

After a Mike Trout home run in the first, the Royals responded with a 3-run rally of their own, chasing starter C.J. Wilson from the game. Wilson had never lost to the Royals previously.

Center fielder Lorenzo Cain made back-to-back diving catches in the fifth to halt the Angels rally with two-men on. Nothing was going to stop to Royals, not even Mother Nature, as fell heavily in the seventh. But play continued, as did the Royals march to the ALCS.

Here are the headlines from yesterday:

‘ALDS: Royals sweep the Angels with offensive onslaught‘ – Call to the Pen

‘Baltimore Orioles head the ALCS with hearts of champions’  – Birds Watcher

‘Torii to give retirement serious consideration’ – MLB.com

‘Rizzo could become serious MVP candidate in 2015’ – Cubbies Crib