By MATT PIKE
St. Joseph Post
The Royals offense was just 2 for 11 with runners in scoring position, but a throwing error by the Washington Nationals helped push across the only run they would need, as Kansas City won 1-0 in 10 innings at Nationals Park.
Cole Ragans, Kris Bubic, Sam Long, and Angel Zerpa combined for nine scoreless innings to force extras, striking out a combined seven batters and giving up all five Washington hits.
Kyle Isbel was the runner that started the 10th inning at second base. After Tommy Pham struck out to open the inning, Bobby Witt Jr would single on a ground ball to Nationals shortstop Nasim Nuñez, and Nunez would double clutch and throw the ball into the dirt at first, allowing Isbel to come home and score on the error.
The Royals would have a chance for an insurance run with runners at first and second, but MJ Melendez would strike out before Freddy Fermin grounded out to end the top half of the inning.
Lucas Erceg would come out of the bullpen for the save and open up the bottom half of the inning with a strikeout. A groundout from Nats third baseman Ildemaro Vargas would advance Luis Garcia Jr. to third base, but the Washington designated hitter would be stranded as pinch hitter Joey Gallo struck out swinging at a 99 mph fastball.
The win for Kansas City snaps a seven game losing streak, which matched the longest losing streak of the season for the Royals. Kansas City also got some help from the Miami Marlins in the playoff race, as Miami defeated Minnesota 4-1, putting the Royals magic number to clinch at four.
The Royals will look to continue their winning ways on Wednesday against the Nationals. Michael Lorenzen will make his return from the IL and start opposite Nationals lefty DJ Herz. First pitch will be at 5:45pm with pregame at 5pm on KFEQ.