Ceci Ferrara
November 2, 2015
Sports Writer
Sports Insider
One year after enduring a disheartening loss to the San Francisco Giants in Game 7 of the World Series, the Kansas City Royals are World Champions.
“It’s the best,” Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer said. “We came back and won a world championship. Words can’t even describe how awesome this feels right now. Couldn’t have done it with a better group of guys. We battled since Day 1, Minor Leagues a lot of us, and this is an unbelievable feeling.”
The 4-1 series victory against the New York Mets is their second World title in franchise history and first in 30 years. Last year’s postseason was a whirlwind for the Royals, who hadn’t been to the playoffs since 1985. They rallied from a wild card berth to the series, where they fell short against perennial contender San Francisco.
This year they were a series favorite, winning their division by 12 games before beating the Astros and Blue Jays to secure their second consecutive World Series berth. And this time, despite being labeled the underdog against the Mets’ dominant bullpen, they turned their disappointment into triumph.
Even after a thrilling extra-hour, extra-inning Game 1 which the Royals won 5-4, they were still considered to be the team with something to prove. But after Johnny Cueto shut down New York in Game 2, it was clear Kansas City was in it to win it. Their sole loss came in Game 3 in New York, when Mets’ ace Noah Syndergaard allowed just three runs.
With the hopes of forcing a Game 6, the Mets sent their best pitcher, Matt Harvey, to the mound on Sunday night. Harvey pitched eight shutout innings, with the Mets taking a 2-0 lead into the ninth. Needing just three outs, Harvey insisted on pitching the final frame, despite initial reservations from Mets manager Terry Collins.
The decision was costly. Harvey gave up a leadoff walk before giving up an RBI double to Hosmer to cut the deficit to one. Jerurys Familia–who had two blown saves so far this series–stepped in, but was unable to shutdown the Royals. Hosmer scored on a ground ball to tie the game and force extra innings.
Then, in the early morning hours of Nov. 2nd, in the top of the 12th, the Royals once again worked their come-from-behind magic. They scored five runs, and, with the Mets unable to respond in the bottom of the inning, the game–and series– was theirs.
“Never die, never quit attitude,” outfielder Lorenzo Cain said. “I mean this entire clubhouse, front office, fans, they’re all amazing. I say just that never quit attitude. We continue to push no matter if it’s not in our favor, continue to fight as a team.”
While it was a true team effort, and many players were worthy, catcher Salvador Perez won the World Series Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award. Perez was 8-for-22 (.364), with two doubles and two RBIs.
“He just had a phenomenal series,” Kansas City manager Ned Yost said.
While the Royals revel in their victory, the Mets can only hope that, like their opponent, they get a chance to redeem themselves next year.
Wizards
After victories against Orlando and Milwaukee, the Wizards were hoping to extend their 2-0 season start in their first home game of the season on Saturday night.
Unfortunately, the visiting New York Knicks played spoiler to those plans. Carmelo Anthony scored 37 points in the game, nine more than Bradley Beal, who led Washington with 26. John Wall came in second with 25.
The game was hard fought and physical, featuring 62 fouls and three technicals. The Wizards trailed 59-56 at halftime, and, despite scoring 54 points in the second half, were unable to overcome the deficit.
The 117-110 loss is Washington’s first defeat of the season, but shouldn’t phase them too much. So far, they have scored over 100 points in back-to-back games, and appear to be much stronger offensive team than in recent years. With a long season ahead, only time will tell if they can maintain this momentum.
They will have a chance to pick up their first home win of the season Wednesday against the San Antonio Spurs.
