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Behind strong bullpen, Royals eye sweep of Twins

When the Kansas City Royals won the 2014 and 2015 American League pennants, they did it with a dominant bullpen. If they got a lead after six innings, the game was all-but decided.

While the 2020 Royals haven't seen the success of those two clubs, the bullpen is shaping up as a strength entering Sunday's series finale against the Minnesota Twins.

Kansas City manager Mike Matheny has a three-headed monster at the back end of his bullpen, with Ian Kennedy, Greg Holland and Trevor Rosenthal all owning seasons of 30-plus saves. Add flame-throwing Josh Staumont and his 103 mph fastball, and Matheny can mix and match to squash late-game threats.