The Kansas City Royals’ playoff hopes received a boost following their 7-4 victory over the Washington Nationals on Thursday. Combined with the Seattle Mariners’ extra-innings win over the Minnesota Twins, the Royals’ magic number for clinching a playoff spot was reduced to one.
Pinch hitter Adam Frazier’s clutch two-run single in the ninth inning broke a tie and secured the victory for the Royals. Salvador Perez and Hunter Renfroe also contributed with RBI singles. Kris Bubic pitched a solid eighth inning, and Lucas Erceg earned his third consecutive save.
Michael Wacha started on the mound for the Royals, allowing four runs and five hits in five innings. The Nationals’ Luis Garcia Jr. hit a three-run home run to tie the game, but the Royals’ offense ultimately prevailed.
The Royals remain tied with the Detroit Tigers for the second wild-card spot in the American League behind the Baltimore Orioles. However, the Royals hold the tiebreaker advantage based on their regular season head-to-head record. Minnesota is now three games behind the final wild-card spot with three games remaining in the season.
Nationals pitcher Patrick Corbin, in his final start for the team, was honored by the crowd as he departed the game. Corbin has made significant contributions to the Nationals throughout his tenure but has faced challenges in recent seasons.
Royals Conclude Regular Season Against Braves
The Kansas City Royals will wrap up their regular season with a three-game series against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park. The Braves recently postponed their games against the New York Mets due to Hurricane Helene preparations. As a result, the Braves will now host a doubleheader against the Mets on Monday following the series with the Royals.
The Braves currently sit one game out of the final National League wild-card spot. Brady Singer (9-12, 3.73 ERA) will take the mound for the Royals, facing Max Fried (10-10, 3.42 ERA) of the Braves.
Broadcast Note:
Due to a scheduling conflict with Norton High School Football, Friday’s game will not be broadcast on SuperStar Country 102.5 & 1530 AM. However, coverage will resume on Saturday as the Royals face the Braves in game two of the series at 6:20 PM. Seth Lugo (16-9, 3.03 ERA) will start for the Royals, while the Braves’ starting pitcher has yet to be determined. Pregame coverage on Saturday will begin at 6:00 PM on SuperStar Country 102.5 & 1530 AM.
