The Kansas City Royals jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the American League Championship Series, making Game 3 a must-win for the Toronto Blue Jays as the series shifted to Canada.
After scoring just three runs total in Games 1 and 2 and going without a home run, the Blue Jays offense finally snapped back to life with a huge day at the plate Monday.
It followed a three-run second inning with a six-run third, and Toronto chased Johnny Cueto after he allowed eight earned runs in two-plus innings of work.
On the other side, Marcus Stroman picked up the win without his best stuff. He surrendered 11 hits and four earned runs but gutted through 6.1 innings of work.
The Royals made it interesting with four runs in the top of the ninth, forcing the Blue Jays to go to closer Roberto Osuna, but Toronto got the victory it desperately needed.
Ryan Goins had a big game after a defensive miscue in Game 2. He went 2-for-4 with a home run and made a number of impressive plays with the glove.
Troy Tulowitzki and Josh Donaldson also homered for the Blue Jays, while Kendrys Morales went deep in the ninth for the Royals and Ben Zobrist finished 3-for-5 with three doubles and three runs.
Tip of the cap to Kris Medlen for eating through five relief innings and saving the bullpen for Kansas City after Cueto got the early hook.
These two teams will be back at it tomorrow for Game 4 in Toronto at 4:07 p.m. ET.
Final Score: Blue Jays 11, Royals 8
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