CLEVELAND — This week’s four-game series between the Guardians and Royals at Progressive Field carried crucial implications for both squads in the American League Wild Card race. And for much of Thursday’s series finale, it looked like it was going to end in a wash with a series split.
But in the bottom of the eighth inning, C.J. Kayfus hit a go-ahead two-run homer off John Schreiber, sending the Guardians to a 3-2 win over the Royals and sealing a 3-1 series win.
The Guardians (75-71) have won four of their past five series by going 11-6 against the Rays, Mariners, Red Sox and Royals. They are three games behind Seattle (78-68) for the final Wild Card spot, pending the outcome of the Mariners’ series opener vs. the Angels. Cleveland also trails the Rangers (77-70) in the race.
The Royals (74-73) fell to 4 1/2 games behind the Mariners. Kansas City will open a critical nine-game stretch against the Phillies, Mariners and Blue Jays on Friday in Philadelphia.
The Guardians were held in check offensively for much of Thursday. Royals starter Stephen Kolek allowed just one run on three hits and one walk with four strikeouts over 6 2/3 innings.
Vinnie Pasquantino put the Royals on the board first with a two-run homer in the first inning, a lead that held up until Kayfus’ big swing.
