For the third straight year, the ALCS featured the Yankees against the Royals. And for the third straight year, the Yankees took the series -- though this time only needing four games to do it.

New York was never up by more than a game in the standings in the final nine days of the regular season, clinching the division title in Game 163 against the Red Sox, but the Yankees had all the momentum they needed once the ALCS began. New York trounced Kansas City in Game 1 before the Royals returned the favor in Game 2. From there, two one-run victories sealed it for New York.

Reggie Jackson led the way for New York in the LCS with two homers, six hits and six RBIs. George Brett had seven hits for the Royals.

Path to the ALCS: The Yankees (100-63) won the AL East by one game. The Royals (92-70) won the AL West by five games.

Managers: Bob Lemon, NYY; Whitey Herzog, KC