CINCINNATI — One swing from Orlando Merced may have ended the Cincinnati Reds’ season.
With the Royals already leading 5–1 in the seventh, Merced stepped to the plate with the bases loaded—and launched a grand slam into the chilly October night at Riverfront Stadium. It was his second homer of the game and capped a five-run inning that silenced the home crowd and put Kansas City up 10–1. Final score: Royals 10, Reds 2.
The win gives Kansas City a commanding 3–1 lead in the Federal League Championship Series and puts them one victory away from the Doubleday Baseball League pennant.
Merced’s Monster Night
Merced finished 2-for-4 with a walk, 5 RBIs, and 2 runs scored—both of his hits leaving the yard. His solo homer in the first was part of a four-run opening frame against Reds starter José Rijo, who couldn’t recover from the early damage.
Jeron Burnitz added a two-run shot in that first inning and finished 3-for-4 with 3 RBIs. John Olerud chipped in three hits and a double, and Quinton Veras continued his excellent postseason with two more doubles and an RBI.
Box Score Highlights
Kansas City Royals
- Orlando Merced: 2-for-4, 2 HR (2), 5 RBI, 2 R, BB
- Jeron Burnitz: 3-for-4, HR (3), 3 RBI, 2 R
- John Olerud: 3-for-5, 2B, RBI
- Quinton Veras: 2-for-5, 2 2B, RBI, R
- Rheal Cormier (W, 1–1): 9.0 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 7 K, 2 HR allowed
Cincinnati Reds
- Omar Vizquel: Solo HR (2) in the 5th
- Eric Davis: Solo HR (3) in the 9th
- Bob Wells: 3.0 IP in relief, 5 K, 0 ER
Pitching Breakdown
Rijo lasted six innings, allowing six runs on nine hits and five walks. Doug Henry replaced him in the seventh but gave up three straight hits, including Merced’s slam. Sean Bankhead finished the game with three scoreless frames, but the damage was done.
Cormier, meanwhile, was in control. He tossed a complete game, allowing just four hits—including the two solo homers—while striking out seven. His ERA dropped to 6.57 after a rough earlier outing in the series.
Turning Point
The grand slam in the seventh didn’t just extend Kansas City’s lead—it broke Cincinnati’s will. Down 10–1 with six outs to go, the Reds never mounted a serious threat.
What’s Next
The Royals will look to clinch the series in Game 5 behind ace Kevin Brown. Cincinnati sends veteran David Wells to the mound in a must-win game. First pitch is set for 8:05 PM at Riverfront Stadium.
Series Status: Royals lead 3–1.