KC Royals: Five Keys To Taking The Pennant In ALCS Game 5

1. EDINSON VOLQUEZ NEEDS TO PITCH LIKE GAME 1

The KC Royals couldn’t have asked for more from Edinson Volquez in Game 1. Generally considered the Kansas City Royals no. 3 starter behind Johnny Cueto and Yordano Ventura before the ALCS began, Volquez held the powerful Blue Jays scoreless through six innings with five strikeouts, while allowing two hits and four walks.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Three Veteran Free Agents Who Could Help

Rum Bunter

Texas Rangers Re-Sign Three Free Agents on Minor League Contracts Nolan Writin'

Texas Rangers, Edinson Volquez Reportedly Working on Minor League Deal Nolan Writin'

Texas Rangers: Edinson Volquez possibly considering a return maybe Call to the Pen

Who was a part of the Texas Rangers' September Call-Ups? Nolan Writin'

Texas Rangers rotation struggling in the most fundamental of ways Nolan Writin'

While Volquez doesn’t HAVE to be similarly dominant for the KC Royals to win Game 5, it would certainly go a long way toward helping his team nail down their second A.L. crown in a row.

Not only would a dominant performance help the Royals eliminate the Blue Jays, it would also give the Kansas City Royals an “ace” going into the World Series. Both Johnny Cueto and Yordano Ventura have been too inconsistent in their recent playoff starts to seize this title. Meanwhile, Steady Eddie keeps plowing on in the playoffs. He notched a 13-9 regular season record, while logging his first 200-inning season of his career along with a 3.55 ERA.

He’s been better in the post-season, compiling a 2.31 ERA in two 2015 playoff appearances for the KC Royals. If Edinson Volquez shuts down the Blue Jays again, he has to be considered the staff ace going forward.

C’mon Eddie, channel your inner Pedro Martinez one more time and pitch the Kansas City Royals to the promised land. You’ll be a legend in the Dominican Republic alongside your childhood hero Pedro, and earn a hallowed place in KC Royals history. If nothing else, it’ll help your resume when you hit free agency after the 2016 season.

All you have to do is hold down an offense that fueled the Blue Jays to the biggest run differential since the 2000 New York Yankees, playing in a bandbox perfectly tailored for their talents.

But, hey, becoming a playoff legend isn’t supposed to be easy.

Next: Eric Hosmer And Mike Moustakas Need To Wake Up

1. EDINSON VOLQUEZ NEEDS TO PITCH LIKE GAME 1

Schedule