Sundberg's veteran experience helped bolster the Royals' young pitching staff, and the team's combined earned run average improved to second best in the American League as, the Royals narrowly prevailed over the California Angels by one game to win the 1985 American League Western Division championship. In the 1985 American League Championship Series against the Toronto Blue Jays, Sundberg, normally known for his defensive skills, became an offensive standout when he drove in four runs in the deciding Game 7 to help the Royals clinch the American League pennant.