KC Royals: How the Starting Rotation Stacks Up

Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Game 3: Yordano Ventura

Yordano Ventura has emerged as the go-to starter for the KC Royals this postseason.  In Ventura’s first three postseason starts this year, he allowed three runs over a course of 12.1 total innings. In his most recent start (ALCS Game 6), he tossed 5.1 innings and allowed just one run on four hits to out-duel the Blue Jays’ David Price and lock down the pennant for Kansas City.

Ventura’s fastball command has been spot on in his last two starts while his sharp curveball serves as his go-to two-strike pitch.  Over the span of his 17.2 innings pitched this postseason, he has punched out 21 batters while walking 8.  Not much more needs to be said about Ventura other than he has been clutch for the Royals this postseason despite his 4.08 ERA.

He will face off against Noah Syndergaard in Game Three of the series, the first game at Citi Field in New York.  “Ace” Ventura has never pitched at Citi Field, but there’s a first time for everything, right?  So why not in game three of the World Series?

Ventura has already out-dueled Blue Jay ace David Price twice and the confidence fueled by that and his recent postseason success will drive Ventura to win game three.  The Royals will be just fine with Ventura on the mound in Game Three.

Next: The gentle giant