Pennant primer: Royals, run down, say they 'can't fold'
If the Kansas City Royals are to break a three-decade playoff drought, it will happen the hard way.
The Royals built a little cushion atop the American League Central thanks to 23 wins in a 33-game stretch that took them into September. Momentarily, it seemed possible they'd make off with the division before their core of young players realized they were truly in a pennant race.
But that cushion is gone. And now the Royals have no choice but to outplay a division foe that's deeper, more talented and well-versed in the art of the September finishing kick.
The Detroit Tigers caught the Royals atop the AL Central on Tuesday night at Comerica Park, registering a 4-2 victory thanks in no small part to a baserunning gaffe by their rivals.
With two men on against struggling closer Joe Nathan, Royals manager Ned Yost inserted Jarrod Dyson as a pinch-runner, and it was clear they'd attempt a double steal. But Nathan caught Dyson leaving too soon for third base; he was a dead duck, the rally was extinguished and, soon, so was the Royals' one-game lead atop the division.
Tonight, they'll send James Shields against Rick Porcello in the series finale, hoping to avoid a sweep and a one-game deficit before leaving town. The game is far from a must-win.
But within the context of the Royals' playoff-less streak since 1985, and the perception their young core may not be ready to run down the seasoned Tigers, it looms larger than usual.
The Royals have had at least a share of first place since Aug. 11. That could change tonight.
"We can't fold," first baseman Eric Hosmer told the Kansas City Star. "We've come too far to fold, at this point. We control our destiny tomorrow. It's too late in the season to lose confidence now. We've come too far."
It doesn't help that they struggle against the Tigers. Detroit improved to 11-4 against Kansas City this season, and appears to be hitting stride in winning six of its last nine games. That's no surprise; since their three-year run atop the Central began, the Tigers are a combined 57-35 in September and October.
Tonight, the Royals hand the ball to Shields, the sort of game they envisioned "Big Game James" winning when they acquired him from Tampa Bay before the 2013 season. Shields will be a free agent after the season, and figures to find more lucrative deals elsewhere.
Stopping the bleeding tonight, however, is the first concern.
PENNANT PRIMER
Days left in the season: 19
Tuesday's big mover: Athletics. Panned for trading Yoenis Cespedes, they got a huge outing from the guy they acquired in the deal. Jon Lester shut out the White Sox into the seventh inning of an 11-2 win over the White Sox. Meanwhile, losses by the Seattle Mariners and Royals nudged the A's lead in the second wild card back up to two games over the Mariners and 1 ½ games over the Tigers/Royals. Yes, things turn quickly in September.
Tuesday's big loser: Dodgers. September is as much about beating up the tomato cans as it is the heavyweight showdowns. The Dodgers failed in this regard as the Padres broke a six-game losing streak with a 6-3 win in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, Yusmeiro Petit dominated the Arizona Diamondbacks as the Giants pulled within 2 ½ games in the NL West.
Today's can't-miss game: Other than the aforementioned Tigers-Royals tilt, keep an eye on Braves-Nationals. A Washington sweep would reduce its magic number in the NL East to eight. And sweeping the team that's vexed them in recent years would be a virtual coronation.