1978 ALCS - October 3rd - 7th, 1978

For the third straight season, the Kansas City Royals (92 - 70) and the New York Yankees (100 - 63) will battle for the American League pennant. The previous two series were classics, with the Yanks pulling through in the ninth inning of winner-take-all game fives. For the Royals, they are hoping that the third time will be the charm. Their offensive machine kept rolling, with strong performances by stalwart George Brett, reliable Darrell Porter, and a return to form from Amos Otis. The starting pitching continued to be solid, led by Leonard, Splittorff, and Gura, but perhaps the most significant addition was to the bullpen (which had struggled in previous playoffs). The ‘Mad Hungarian’, Al Hrabosky, has been outstanding in late innings, and the fans have certainly appreciated his showmanship. Manager Whitey Herzog will need his lefty reliever to combat the big left-handed bats of New York.

The final three games of this series will be in New York, but the Yankees will be at a slight pitching disadvantage to start, since ace Ron Guidry won’t be available until game four. Rookie Jim Beattie will get the game one start for the Yankees, and the Royals will turn to back-to back 20 game winner Dennis Leonard. Manager Bob Lemon will need some innings from the young righty. If the Yankees can steal one in Kansas City, they will be in position to take the series when it gets back to New York.

Audio clips from joeydbball on Youtube (links below)

ABC broadcast with Keith Jackson, Howard Cosell, and Jim Palmer

WPIX Broadcast with Frank Messer, Phil Rizzuto, and Bill White

Game 1: KCR RHP Dennis Leonard (21 - 17 3.33 ERA 294 IP) vs. NYY RHP Jim Beattie (6 - 9 3.73 ERA 128 IP)

Game 2: KCR LHP Larry Gura (16 - 4 2.72 ERA 221 IP) vs. NYY RHP Ed Figueroa (20 - 9 2.99 ERA 253 IP)

Game 3: NYY RHP Jim 'Catfish' Hunter (12 - 6 3.58 ERA 118 IP) vs. KCR LHP Paul Splittorff (19 - 13 3.40 ERA 262 IP)

Game 4: NYY LHP Ron Guidry (25 - 3 1.74 ERA 273 IP) vs. KCR RHP Dennis Leonard

As always, shout out to Baseball Reference and SABR for statistics, box scores, background information, and much, much more.

Catch you next time,

P.C.O.