Royals capitalize on error to edge Nationals 1-0 in 10th inning

In a tightly contested game on Tuesday night, the Kansas City Royals managed to break a 27-inning scoreless streak by capitalizing on a throwing error in the 10th inning against the Washington Nationals. Kyle Isbel, who started as the automatic runner, advanced to third base on an infield single by Bobby Witt Jr. He then scored the only run of the game when Nasim Nuñez made a low throw to first base, allowing Isbel to sprint home. This victory was crucial for the Royals as it ended their seven-game losing streak and helped them maintain their position in the playoff race. Cole Ragans delivered a strong performance on the mound, allowing only three hits over six innings while striking out six batters. His efforts contributed to lowering his September ERA to an impressive 1.08. The Royals' bullpen also played a significant role, with Lucas Erceg securing his 12th save of the season after a clean 10th inning, which included striking out Joey Gallo. The win was particularly important as it kept the Royals in contention for the second American League wild card spot, tied with the Detroit Tigers at 83-74. However, the Royals hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over Detroit, giving them a slight edge in the playoff race. Both teams are currently 1.5 games ahead of the Minnesota Twins. In terms of player updates, the Royals announced that RHP Hunter Harvey will be shut down for the season due to back issues, while RHP James McArthur will also not return this year. On a positive note, RHP Michael Lorenzen is expected to make his return from the injured list for the next game, which adds depth to the Royals' pitching staff as they push for a playoff spot.