Royals Take 2-0 World Series Lead Behind Johnny Cueto’s Two Hitter

New York Mets pitchers were dominant in the National League Playoffs, especially in the NLCS against the Cubs, where they effectively shut down Chicago’s young power hitters.  There was no reason to assume the World Series would be any different, but after a 14 inning Game 1 victory by the Royals, it was Kansas City’s Johnny Cueto who pitched the best game of the post season to this point.

Cueto, who was acquired over the summer from the Cincinnati Reds, allowed one run on two hits as the Royals beat the Mets 7-1 in Kansas City to take a two games to one lead in the World Series.  Cueto allowed three walks and struck out four in the first complete game by an American League pitcher in a World Series game since Jack Morris of the Minnesota Twins pitched a 10 inning complete game victory over the Atlanta Braves in Game 7 of the 1991 Series.

Cueto was 7-6 with a 2.62 ERA for a bad Reds team when he was traded to the Royals on July 26th.  He had a disappointing rest of the regular season, going 4-7 with a 4.76 ERA.  He was also shelled for eight runs in two innings in his last outing against Toronto in the ALCS.  But he was Johnny on the spot here.

The Series now moves to New York for Game 3 on October 30th and the traditional Halloween Night game (!) for Game 4, as well as Game 5 on November 1st if necessary.