Royals Report: KC Eliminated Despite 5-2 Win Over Twins

The Royals won their fourth straight game with their 5-2 victory over the Twins Wednesday night. Despite the victory, the Orioles eliminated Kansas City with their 3-2 win over Toronto.

The Kansas City Royals improved to 81-77 with their 5-2 victory Wednesday night. The win assures Kansas City over their fourth straight season at .500 or better.

Jason Vargas made his third start of the season and continues to looks good after coming back from Tommy John surgery in 2015. He lasted 5.0 innings, allowing 4 hits, 0 walks, and 0 earned runs with 6 strikeouts. Vargas left the game leading 2-0, but ended up with a no decision.

KC took a 2-0 lead in the third inning with Eric Hosmer’s two-run shot off Twins starter Ervin Santana. The blast was Hosmer’s 25th home run of the season and also his 103rd RBI. However, the Twins evened the score in the sixth with Kennys Vargas‘ two-run home run off rookie reliever Kevin McCarthy.

Neither team scored until the bottom of the eighth inning. Jarrod Dyson hit a one out double, and stole third. Whit Merrifield walked to put runners at first and third before Eric Hosmer hit a shallow fly to center. Dyson came down the line after tagging up, but decided to turn back to third base. At the time, it looked like Kansas City might regret this decision when Byron Buxton‘s throw home sailed wide.

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However, Kendrys Morales hit a two-out double into the right field corner to score Dyson. The Twins intentionally walked Salvador Perez to load the bases before Alex Gordon stroked a two-RBI single to right that put the KC Royals up 5-2.

Wade Davis finished off the ninth inning to earn his 27th save.

Next: Can The Royals Turn Joakim Soria Into A Starter?

Well, Kansas City fans won’t get to enjoy another post-season run, but the Royals only need one more victory for their fourth consecutive winning season. I can’t say it’s been a great year when the bullpen blew six leads since August 30 that would have put them in playoff position. But, it has shown the organization’s recent success isn’t just a flash in the pan.