After a thrilling, high-scoring nail-biter and two blowouts, defense finally made an appearance in the 2014 MLB playoffs.
The Angels and the Royals battled it out through 11 innings, and in the end Kansas City emerged victorious thanks to a solo home run from Mike Moustakas.
Turning Point: This game was about as even as it gets, and for most of the night it felt like we'd still be watching this game tomorrow morning. In the top of the 11th, though, Mike Moustakas keyed in on a pitch from Fernando Salas and sent it 374 feet to right field.
Royals MVP: While it's tempting to give this to Moustakas, we have to show some love to the Kansas City bullpen. Seven different pitchers combined for five scoreless innings after a solid start from Jason Vargas, and the Angels' high-powered offense was unable to find an answer. Wade Davis and Danny Duffy both impressed on the mound, and the Royals' staff will be full of confidence heading into Game 2.
Angels MVP: Typically, a performance like this from Jered Weaver is enough to get a win. It wasn't tonight, but that doesn't make Weaver's game any less impressive. Through seven innings, Weaver tossed exactly 100 pitches for 67 strikes, racking up six strikeouts, two walks and two ER.
What’s Next? Game 2 is set for Friday evening at 6:37 PT. The Royals will hope to build on this impressive showing (and get more production out of their offense), while the Angels will try to avoid falling to 0-2 before they head to Kansas City.
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