Fri Sep 12 10:20:00 UTC 2025: **Guardians Rally Past Royals, Chase Wild Card Spot**
CLEVELAND – Rookie C.J. Kayfus blasted a two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth inning Thursday night, propelling the Cleveland Guardians to a 3-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals. The win marks Cleveland’s sixth in their last seven games and secures a series win against their AL Central rival.
The Guardians (75-71) are now just three games behind Seattle in the hunt for the final American League Wild Card spot with only 15 games remaining in the season.
Kansas City (74-73) saw Vinnie Pasquantino etch his name into Royals history, hitting his 30th home run of the season, a two-run shot in the first inning. This makes him only the fourth left-handed batter in Royals history to reach that milestone, joining Mike Moustakas, John Mayberry and Hall of Famer George Brett.
After Bo Naylor singled to lead off the eighth, Kayfus launched a 425-foot homer off Royals reliever John Schreiber (3-3) to give Cleveland the lead. Matt Festa (4-3) earned the win with a scoreless eighth. Cade Smith closed out the game, earning his 13th save despite hitting Jonathan India to lead off the ninth, managing to retire the next three batters.
The Royals struggled with runners in scoring position, going 0-for-6. Starter Gavin Williams stranded runners at the corners in the sixth.
Pasquantino has been on a tear since August 10, leading the majors with 33 RBI and tying for the lead with 11 home runs.
Looking ahead, the Royals travel to Philadelphia for a three-game series on Friday, with Michael Lorenzen (5-10, 4.63 ERA) scheduled to start. The Guardians will host the Chicago White Sox for a three-game set, sending Tanner Bibee (9-11, 4.69 ERA) to the mound.
First Piper 