ALCS preview: How the Royals and Blue Jays match up

Oct. 15, 2015 5:15 PM PT

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Keys to the American League Championship Series between the Kansas City Royals and Toronto Blue Jays:

Last meeting, Royals’ starter Edinson Volquez plunked Josh Donaldson. The benches cleared and Volquez would say Donaldson “was crying like a baby.” Whose style will win? The Royals pitch and run: Lorenzo Cain recently scored from first on a single in 9.3 seconds. They’ve scored 25 postseason runs.

The Blue Jays pitch and mash: Jose Bautista’s recent bat flip may still be airborne. They’ve scored 26 postseason runs. Toronto won the season series 4-3. They’ll likely start off with ace David Price. Kansas City’s ace Johnny Cueto pitched Wednesday and needs rest, but don’t shed a tear — Volquez will start Game 1.

Pick: Blue Jays in six.

Schedule

Game 1: Friday, 5 p.m.

Toronto (Estrada, 13-8, 3,13) at Kansas City (Volquez, 13-9, 3.55)

Game 2: Saturday, 1 p.m.

Toronto (Price, 18-5, 2.45) at Kansas City (Ventura, 13-8, 4.08)

Game 3: Monday, 4:30 p.m.

Kansas City (Cueto, 11-13, 3.44) at Toronto (Stroman, 4-0, 1.67)

Game 4: Tuesday, TBA

Kansas City (TBA) at Toronto (Dickey, 11-11, 3.91)

Game 5: Wednesday, TBA*

Kansas City (TBA) at Toronto (TBA)