James Shields stays focused amid Royals’ success
When James Shields was last seen on the mound at Kauffman Stadium, the Royals’ season appeared in jeopardy. He gave up a single to Oakland outfielder Sam Fuld and walked third baseman Josh Donaldson. Just like that, as manager Ned Yost left the dugout, his night was over.
His two-year stint in Kansas City looked on the verge of a similar outcome. Yost replaced Shields with rookie Yordano Ventura, who served up a three-run, go-ahead homer to Brandon Moss. Inside the dugout, the television cameras captured the stunned expression on Shields’ face as the Athletics surged ahead.
So to see him on Saturday afternoon, a bit weary after a cross-country flight that landed around 6 a.m., was to understand how this team’s fortune has reverted. After three consecutive extra-innings victories, the Royals find themselves one win away from the American League Championship Series. Shields faces Anaheim southpaw C.J. Wilson on Sunday night.
“Obviously we’re up 2-0, but you’ve got to think about the team we’re facing,” Shields said. “I mean, they’re a pretty dangerous team. Just because we’re up 2-0 doesn’t mean we have to stay lackadaisical. We’ve got to keep grinding.”
The Angels won 98 games during the regular season, more than any other team in baseball. Yet the Royals exerted their will during the first two nights at Angels Stadium. They held their hosts to just three runs.
The lineup is stacked, yet frigid. Josh Hamilton resembles a shell of his former self. Mike Trout, the likely American League MVP, has no hits. Albert Pujols has one.
Yet Shields understands the power of his opponents. He gave up four runs in six innings at Angels Stadium on May 24. Trout and shortstop Erick Aybar each took him deep.
“They have a couple of the best hitters in the game on that team,” Shields said. “We can’t take them too lightly. We’ve just got to play our game.”
To reach Andy McCullough, call 816-234-4370 or send email to rmccullough@kcstar.com. Follow him on Twitter: @McCulloughStar.
This story was originally published October 4, 2014 at 11:54 PM with the headline "James Shields stays focused amid Royals’ success."