Davis caps Royal comeback with 6-out save

HOUSTON -- Obviously the Royals' remarkable five-run rally in the eighth inning to earn a 9-6 win over the Astros on Monday afternoon in Game 4 of the best-of-five American League Division Series is a huge story.

But it would have been characterized as just a gallant effort if closer Wade Davis hadn't stepped up for a six-out save through the teeth of Houston's lineup. It was the first six-out save in the ALDS since Mariano Rivera did it in 2005.

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To Davis, arguably the best reliever in baseball these days, it seemed like no big deal.

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Davis got three quick outs in the eighth when Kansas City had a 7-6 lead. Then with a 9-6 lead in the ninth, he gave up a single to Carlos Correa before mowing down Colby Rasmus and Preston Tucker on strikes, and then getting Carlos Gomez on a pop fly.

Davis said there was no reason to get too amped up.

"You have to stay calm and relaxed, or you go out there and start throwing balls," he said.

The game naturally reminded Davis and the rest of the Royals of last year's dramatic AL Wild Card Game win over the A's, in which they also were down by four runs.

"I think the whole experience last year helped us handle some of the adversity we faced this year, like today," Davis said. "I was in the dugout last year for that game. This time, I started out in the bullpen.

"It says a lot about our team that we don't give up."

Video: KC@HOU Gm4: Davis on six-out save, evening series

Davis said pitching a six-out save really isn't that daunting.

"I don't think so," he said. "I think you just go out there and make good pitches, and let your defense take care of business."

And now it's back to Kansas City for the decisive Game 5 (Wednesday night at 8 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1) to see which team moves on to the AL Championship Series. But it would seem the Royals have grabbed the momentum.

"Let's hope so," Davis said.