KANSAS CITY — The Royals are heading back to the World Series.
With a roaring crowd behind them at Royals Stadium, Kansas City punched its ticket to the Fall Classic with a commanding 7–0 win over the Cincinnati Reds in Game 6 of the League Championship Series. Mark Guthrie delivered the performance of his career, a 1-hit shutout masterpiece, while Jeromy Burnitz added another chapter to his monster postseason with a three-hit, four-RBI night—including a no-doubt home run.
“Someone’s got to win and someone’s got to lose,” said Burnitz after the champagne-soaked celebration. “We’re just glad we’re on the good end of it tonight and can enjoy this.”
The Royals win the series 4–2 and now await the winner of the Senators-Giants series to determine their opponent in the 1995 Doubleday World Series.
Game Summary
Kansas City broke the scoreless tie in the 3rd when Ray Lankford laced a two-run double, followed by another RBI double from Chris Hoiles. In the 4th, Lankford and Burnitz each drove in runs with two-out hits. Burnitz would later add a two-run homer in the 7th—his fourth of the postseason—burying any hopes of a Cincinnati comeback.
On the mound, Guthrie was clinical. He allowed only a 2nd-inning double to Kevin McReynolds and walked two. That was it. The lefty struck out seven and didn’t allow a single Red to reach third base.
Series MVP: Jeromy Burnitz
Burnitz finished the series with a staggering .556 average, four homers, and 12 RBIs. He reached base in every game and delivered big hit after big hit, including the Game 6 dagger.
Box Score Highlights
Kansas City Royals
- Jeromy Burnitz: 3-for-5, HR (4), 4 RBI, 6 total bases
- Ray Lankford: 2-for-4, 2B, 3 RBI, 2 R
- Mark Guthrie (W, 2–1): 9.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 7 K
- John Olerud: 2-for-3, 2 BB, R
- O. Merced & J. Thome: 2 hits apiece
Cincinnati Reds
- Kevin McReynolds: 1-for-2, 2B
- No other player recorded a hit
- Scott Bankhead (L, 0–1): 4.2 IP, 9 H, 4 ER
- Reds struck out 7 times and left only 3 on base
What’s Next
The Royals will represent the Federal League in the 1995 Doubleday World Series, making their first appearance since 1992. They’ll have home field advantage regardless of whether they face the Senators or Giants.
As for the Reds, it’s a bitter end to a strong season. After clawing back in the series with a Game 5 win, they were simply overmatched in the finale.
“They were the better team and deserve to move on,” Reds manager Eric Deutsch admitted postgame. “We didn’t bring our best tonight, and it showed.”
Series Recap:
Kansas City wins series 4–2
Final Game: Royals 7, Reds 0
World Series Bound: Kansas City Royals