One Step Closer

The Royals won in a slightly more convincing way to inch that much closer to clinching a spot in the playoffs.

The Royals have learned over the last week and a half to take nothing for granted. But after another win over the Nationals, the Royals are getting closer to their dreams of playing beyond Game 162 a reality. We all know it’s been an offensive slog for a week and a half now, but the pitching staff is putting the team on its shoulders right now and the offense is showing some signs of waking from their slumber. Okay, maybe signs isn’t the right word, but they are showing that they might be getting a little closer to showing signs. It’s a start.

As I did yesterday, let’s start by taking a look at the playoff picture after the Royals improved to 84-74 with their 3-0 win. The Tigers, who do not lose anymore, did not lose. The Twins, who have lost a lot lately, did not lose. The Mariners, facing an Astros team nursing a collective hangover from celebrating their division title the night before, did not lose. But that doesn’t mean it wasn’t a productive day. Let’s look at the standings.