2010 NATURALS POWER ROYALS INTO ALCS
After late-inning games gave Kansas City Royals fans several late nights through their first three games of the post-season, former 2010 Northwest Arkansas Naturals Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas ensured that Game 3 of the American League Division Series would have an early and decisive winner.
A home run in the top of the first inning by former Arkansas Traveler Mike Trout gave the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim some early hope, but the Royals quickly claimed a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the first on a bases clearing double by Alex Gordon and never looked back. Hosmer extended the lead to 5-1 on a two-run home run in the third inning off Hector Santiago. Albert Pujols pulled the Angels back within three on a solo home run in the fourth inning; however Moustakas quickly answered with a solo shot of his own in the bottom half of the inning off 2014 Traveler Mike Morin, and the Royals would eventually cruise to an 8-3 win sending them to the American League Championship Series.
Before powering their way to an 8-3 victory in Game 3 to complete the sweep of the Angels, former Naturals shined in the late innings of Game 2. With the game tied 1-1 in the top of the 11th inning in Anaheim, Hosmer lined a two run shot over the right field wall to drive in Lorenzo Cain and give the Royals a 3-1 lead. It marked the third straight game winning hit by a former Natural this post-season and second straight 11th inning game winning home run, after Hosmer's teammate in Northwest Arkansas blasted a solo shot in the 11th inning of Game 1. Alex Gordon then singled and stole second, before the Wild Card Game hero, 2011 Natural Salvador Perez singled in one final insurance run for the 4-1 win. Former 2009 Natural Greg Holland picked up his second save of the post-season, while 2014 Natural Brandon Finnegan picked up his first post-season victory.
In a best of five series that featured a top five payroll in the American League, in addition to MLB's best record and highest scoring offensive attack, Kansas City, the American League Wild Card winner, showed why the motto remains ""Pitching wins Championships." The Royals swept the American League favorite by outscoring Los Angeles 15-6 in the three-game series. Only three other teams in the American League allowed fewer runs than the Royals in the 2014 regular season, one being the team they will face in the ALCS, the Baltimore Orioles.
Starting pitchers and rosters for Friday night's American League Championship Series opener at Baltimore have yet to be announced, although the Royals Game 3 winning James Shields will be on regular rest in time for that game.
Season 8 of Naturals baseball will begin with a six-game road trip to Midland and Frisco before returning to Arvest Ballpark for their home opener on Thursday, April 16 against the Midland RockHounds (Double-A Affiliate of the Oakland Athletics).
The Season 8 promotional schedule, game times and other details on discounted ticket plans as well as group information will be made available throughout the off-season. For any questions regarding our 2015 season, please give us a call at (479) 927-4900.
The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. The Naturals play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, Ark. For more information including statistics, ticket options, and more, please visit NWANaturals.com, and follow us on Twitter @NWANaturals and Facebook.com/Naturals.
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