KC 8, LAA 3: Royals pile on runs early to advance to ALCS

Alex Gordon hit a three-run double in the first inning and Eric Hosmer added a two-run home run in the third as the Kansas City Royals cruised to an 8-3 victory over the Los Angeles Angels, sweeping the best-of-five American League Division Series and advancing to the AL Championship Series.

Angels starting pitcher C.J. Wilson's worst nightmare came true when the Royals wasted no time getting on the scoreboard. The lefty struggled early in the must-win game for the Angels and didn't survive the first frame, allowing three runs on three hits before making way for Vinnie Pestano. Wilson recorded only two outs before manager Mike Scioscia gave him the hook.

First baseman Hosmer increased the Royals' lead to 5-1 in the third inning with his two-run blast off Hector Santiago. Third baseman Mike Moustakas also went yard one inning later off Mike Morin.

James Shields, who earned a no-decision in the Royals' Game 1 extra-innings victory, attacked the strike zone aggressively with a big lead, throwing six innings of two-run ball before turning the game over to Kansas City's reliable bullpen.

Kelvin Herrera, Wade Davis and Greg Holland held the Angels to one run and two hits over the final three innings to secure the victory.

The Royals trailed for the first (and last) time in the series when outfielder Mike Trout snapped an 0-for-8 slump with a solo home run into the fountains at Kauffman Stadium.

X-factor

Royals center fielder Lorenzo Cain thwarted a potential Angels rally in the fifth inning with back-to-back diving catches. Los Angeles was threatening with two men and only one out when Cain robbed Albert Pujols and Howie Kendrick of RBI hits (see highlights below) to help preserve a 7-2 lead.

Starting pitchers' lines

Highlights 

Royals center fielder Lorenzo Cain's back-to-back diving catches in the fifth inning:

George Brett celebrates the sweep:

Quote of the night

Up next

The Royals will travel to Baltimore for Game 1 of the ALCS with the Orioles on Friday. The long layoff between games will give both teams a chance to reset their rotations as they please.