On Wednesday night, Kansas City beat Baltimore 2-1 to win the American League pennant in a sweep, and qualify for their first World Series since 1985. Including their regular season finale, the Royals have now won nine games in a row, and they have not lost in the postseason since Game 4 of that ’85 World Series. But can one of the most remarkable baseball stories in modern history finish with a happy ending?

The Royals did begin the second half of the season 2nd place in the AL Central, but several games behind both the division lead and either of the Wild Card spots. They did put together an eight-game winning streak at the beginning of August, and despite losing four in a row to end that month, they began September on a winning streak, and did well enough to earn the Wild Card home game. And what a game that was; down 7-3 to Oakland with one out in the bottom of the 8th, Kansas City mounted a furious rally, getting a game-tying run in the ninth. The Athletics would take the lead back in the 12th, but the Royals countered with two runs themselves to advance to the ALDS against the Angels.

Having been in Kansas City during Games 1 & 2 of the ALDS, I can say the atmosphere around the region was one of excitement, hoping the Royals could continue their roll in the postseason. After more extra-innings wins in Los Angeles, fans got to witness a win in regulation at Kauffman Stadium. Check out this video (uploaded to YouTube by YankeeMagpie) for the Angels’ final at-bat and ensuing celebrations:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIvPEjk9geI

Next for Kansas City was an Orioles squad looking for their first championship since 1983, but the Royals took both games in Maryland with their never-say-die attitude, and a pair of 2-1 wins at home have the Royals back in the Fall Classic. But can they keep the momentum going for one more series? Here’s some history to consider, courtesy of ESPN’s research department:

Kansas City will have a five-day rest before Game 1 of the World Series, which will begin October 21 regardless of how long the NLCS goes (At the time this was published, Game 5 between the Cardinals & Giants was in progress). Both the Orioles and Royals had four days in between their LDS & LCS matchups, so Ned Yost’s club has already proven they can handle a semi-lengthy break. Kansas City fans will point out the Royals have home-field advantage, should the Series go all seven games. Will the Royals win their first title in nearly three decades? It won’t be long until we find out the answer.