Royals playoff memory: Oct. 21, 1985

The Royals and Cardinals made their way to St. Louis with the Cardinals leading the World Series 2-0. The Royals had dug a similar hole against the Blue Jays in the ALCS but at least they were coming home.

“I’m not going to concede anything,” Royals catcher Jim Sundberg said. “But it will probably be more difficult than coming back like we did down two games in the playoffs against Toronto. It’s difficult having to go to St. Louis in this position.”

For Game 3, the Royals were set to pitch Bret Saberhagan and the Cards countered with Joaquin Andjuar.

The second guessing from Game 2 had continued. Royals manager Dick Howser left starting pitcher Charlie Leibrandt in the game at a critical juncture in the ninth instead of using closer Dan Quisenberry. The move backfired as the Cardinals rallied from a 2-0 deficit to a 4-2 victory.

“This team has poured champagne together and hurt together,” Quisenberry said. “Whatever happens, win or lose, we’re still hanging together.”

This story was originally published October 20, 2015 at 5:12 PM with the headline "Royals playoff memory: Oct. 21, 1985."