After a September that left many Kansas City Royals fans wondering about their postseason chances, the boys in blue rebounded this week to clinch home field throughout the postseason.
The Royals trailed the Toronto Blue Jays at one point by 1.5 games this week, but a five-game winning streak to close out the regular season pushed the Royals to the top of the pack.
The Royals completed a sweep of the Minnesota Twins this weekend to wrap up the top spot in the American League - and because the AL won the All-Star Game - the AL pennant winner will have home field advantage in the World Series.
Your Kansas City #Royals are back home!! pic.twitter.com/mgwAJHP9zz
— Shannon Halligan (@ShanHalligan) October 5, 2015
Who will the Royals play?
As of now, the Royals have two possible first round opponents – the New York Yankees and the Houston Astros.
The Yankees and Astros will play in the American League Wild-Card Game on Tuesday, Oct. 6.
ESPN will broadcast the game beginning at 7 p.m. CST.
When will the Royals play?
The journey back to the World Series for the Royals begins on Thursday, Oct. 8.
The Royals will host either the Astros or the Yankees. Game 2 of the series will be held on Friday, while Game 3 will be held Sunday.
Game times are unknown at this point.
The opening two games of the series will be held at Kauffman Stadium. Games 3 and if necessary, Game 4, will feature the Royals going on the road to the northeast or the heart of Texas.
A series-deciding Game 5 would be played back at The K on Wednesday, Oct. 14.
Full playoff schedule for the first round
Game times or the TV networks are unknown right now, but the dates are.
Here's a look at the opening round of the postseason.
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Kansas City Royals vs. New York or Houston
- Thursday, Oct. 8: New York/Houston winner at Kansas City
- Friday, Oct. 9: New York/Houston winner at Kansas City
- Sunday, Oct. 11: Kansas City at New York/Houston winner
- Monday, Oct. 12: Kansas City at New York/Houston winner (if necessary)
- Wednesday, Oct. 14: New York/Houston winner at Kansas City (if necessary)
Toronto Blue Jays vs. Texas Rangers
- Thursday, Oct. 8: Texas at Toronto
- Friday, Oct. 9: Texas at Toronto
- Sunday, Oct. 11: Toronto at Texas
- Monday, Oct. 12: Toronto at Texas (if necessary)
- Wednesday, Oct. 14: Texas at Toronto (if necessary)
NATIONAL LEAGUE
St. Louis Cardinals vs. Pittsburgh-Chicago winner
- Friday, Oct. 9: Pittsburgh/Chicago winner at St. Louis
- Saturday, Oct. 10: Pittsburgh/Chicago winner at St. Louis
- Monday, Oct. 12: St. Louis at Pittsburgh/Chicago winner
- Tuesday, Oct. 13: St. Louis at Pittsburgh/Chicago winner (if necessary)
- Thursday, Oct. 15: Pittsburgh/Chicago winner at St. Louis (if necessary)
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. New York Mets
- Friday, Oct. 9: New York at Los Angeles
- Saturday, Oct. 10: New York at Los Angeles
- Monday, Oct. 12: Los Angeles at New York
- Tuesday, Oct. 13: Los Angeles at New York (if necessary)
- Thursday, Oct. 15: New York at Los Angeles (if necessary)
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