Royals Keep Pace in Wild Card Race with Win Over Twins
The Kansas City Royals kept their playoff hopes alive with a crucial victory over the Minnesota Twins on Saturday, maintaining their position just one game behind the Seattle Mariners for the final American League Wild Card spot. The Royals, now 73-69, matched the Mariners’ win on the same day, keeping the pressure on as the regular season enters its final stretch. The game, played at Target Field in Minneapolis, saw the Royals rally for a 2-run ninth inning to secure the win, improving their record against the Twins this season.nnKey contributors included Kansas City native Carter Jensen, who recorded his first major league hit with an RBI double, a moment that energized the Royals’ dugout. Additionally, Vinnie Pasquantino continues to shine in clutch situations, leading the majors with 28 go-ahead RBIs this season. His ability to deliver in high-pressure moments has been a cornerstone of the Royals’ offense. However, the team will face challenges ahead as they head into a four-game series against the Cleveland Guardians, with right-hander Michael Wacha (12-6, 3.35 ERA) scheduled to start Monday. Wacha has been a reliable arm for Kansas City, but the Guardians will counter with Slade Cecconi (5-6, 4.20 ERA).nnInjury concerns also loom for the Twins, who were without key players due to soreness. Both a position player and a pitcher were scratched from Saturday’s game—one with right hand soreness and another with right hip soreness. Their availability for the remainder of the series remains uncertain, which could impact Minnesota’s push to stay competitive in the division. The Twins, currently trailing the Royals in the standings, will need to regroup quickly to avoid falling further behind.nnLooking ahead, the Royals’ path to the postseason remains narrow but achievable. With the Mariners holding a slim lead, every game counts. The upcoming series against Cleveland will be a test of Kansas City’s depth and resilience. If Pasquantino and Jensen can continue their timely hitting, and Wacha delivers a strong start, the Royals could gain ground. Meanwhile, the Twins will look to recover from their injuries and halt their slide. The AL Wild Card race promises to be a
Shimanta Das 
