Royals finish sweep of Orioles; head to first World Series since '85
By The Associated Press
Posted 7:22PM on Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Kansas City Royals' Alcides Escobar scores against Baltimore Orioles catcher Caleb Joseph during the first inning of Game 4 of the American League baseball championship series Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2014, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
KANSAS CITY -- With more dominant defense, an opportunistic offense that plated two runs in the first inning and a bullpen that shut down the Baltimore Orioles once again, Greg Holland and the Kansas City Royals wrapped up a sweep of the AL Championship Series with a 2-1 victory on Wednesday.<br />
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Next stop: the Royals' first World Series since 1985, when they last made the playoffs.<br />
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Kansas City hosts the first two games beginning Tuesday against the winner of the NLCS between the San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals.<br />
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Jason Vargas combined with three relievers on a four-hitter, with Holland earning his fourth save of the ALCS. It was the first time the AL East champion Orioles have been swept in 21 postseason series.