Royals escape New York tied despite nothing offensively from their young stars

The Kansas City Royals must feel fortunate to leave New York tied 1-1 in the American League Division Series.

The Royals were able to even up the series as the teams head to Kansas City despite shortstop Bobby Witt Jr.

and designated hitter Vinnie Pasquantino going 0-for-New York.

Witt, who batted .332 for the season, hit only .278 in September.

Now, in the spotlight of October, he's just 3-for-19, including 0-for-10 against the Yankees.

He's struck out four times in the first two games of the ALDS and hasn't made good contact in many of his other at-bats.

Pasquantino has been just as bad, but at least he has an excuse.

In late August, he broke his thumb, missed September and returned in time for the wild-card series against the Orioles.

He went 2-for-7 in that series but is hitless in nine plate appearances against New York with five strikeouts.

The Royals have stayed competitive with the mighty Yankees even though their second and third hitters are a combined 0-for-19 with nine strikeouts in New York.

The Royals have received significant contributions from ancient first baseman Yuli Gurriel, veteran journeyman outfielder Tommy Pham and infielder Maikel Garcia.

Gurriel, who wasn't even on a major league roster until the Royals acquired him from the Braves in late August after Pasquantino's injury, has scored four runs in the two games in New York.

The Royals need their stars to shine in Kansas City.

They won't be able to beat the Yankees if Witt and Pasquantino continue to hit poorly throughout the series.

The rotation and support players have carried their weight thus far, but it is time for the stars to come out and win this series for Kansas City.

For Witt, it is a matter of calming down and getting focused.

He's made some nice defensive plays, but his bat remains in a deep slumber.

He is too talented to stay mired in his current slump, and if he can pull out of it for the rest of the postseason, he could spearhead a Royals run.

It's a bit different for Pasquantino because no one outside the clubhouse knows how the injured thumb is affecting him.

He wasn't expected to return as quickly as he did, and he may not be fully healthy.

Plus, his timing could be off due to missing the season's last month.

If these two stars can turn things around at the plate quickly, the Royals are in a good position.

The Royals have reduced the best-of-five series to a best-of-three, with two of those games in Kauffman Stadium.

Kansas City has a real chance to advance, but its young stars must step into the spotlight..

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