Old book, new chapter
Jays turn to Price needing another win-or-else effort
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Royals have established a reputation for dramatic postseason comebacks, beginning with last season’s wildcard victory over the A’s.
Turns out the Blue Jays have some never-quit spirit as well.
After going on a second-half run to make the playoffs, then rallying from a 2-0 deficit to defeat the Rangers in a best-offive AL Division Series, the Jays will try to beat the Royals in another win-orelse situation Friday night in Game 6 of the AL Championship Series.
The Jays forced the series back to Kansas City with a 7-1 rout Wednesday and trail 3-2.
David Price will pitch for the Jays after his collapse in Game 2, when he tossed six shutout innings and then surrendered five runs in the seventh. Yordano Ventura will oppose him.
He was only marginally better, allowing three runs and eight hits in 51⁄3 innings before watching the comeback win from the dugout.
Will the Blue Jays get the Price who was dominant for six innings, recording 18 straight outs? Or the rattled 2012 AL Cy Young Award winner who, when an easy popup fell for a single, allowed five runs in defeat, falling to 0-7 in seven career playoff starts?
“I know what I’m capable of doing,” he said. “It’s long overdue for me to get a win as a starter in the playoffs, and I’ll be ready to change that story.”
Will the Royals get the Ventura who tossed seven innings of three-hit ball in the must-win Game 6 of last year’s World Series? Or the shaky 24-year-old who has a 6.57 playoff ERA?
“I’m just happy to be able to bring the series back home to Kansas City,” he said. “I’ll be ready to pitch.”
The Blue Jays lost the first two games against the Rangers at home, then won three straight with their season hanging in the balance.
The Jays lost the first two games in Kansas City. But in Game 3 in Toronto, they overcame a 1-0 deficit and rolled to an 11-8 victory.
While the Blue Jays have won four straight elimination games, the Royals are 6-2 in their last eight postseason games at Kauffman Stadium.