The Kansas City Royals have been playing a different brand of baseball in recent weeks. And now, it’s generated hope for an unlikely run at the postseason.

The Royals entered Friday’s action 8.5 games back in the American League wild-card race. It’s a slim chance to overcome their 0.1 % playoff odds.

However, there is still a chance.

The Royals (61-75) need to stack wins. A nine-game winning streak certainly helped matters and Friday’s 3-0 victory over the Cleveland Guardians was equally important.

It was KC’s 11th win in 12 games, and the Guardians (68-67) currently hold the third AL wild-card spot. They entered play on a seven-game winning streak of their own.

However, Royals starter Michael Wacha halted their streak. Wacha tossed eight shutout innings while recording 10 strikeouts. It was his third quality start against the Guardians this season.

Wacha has limited the Guardians to three earned runs in 22 innings this season. And the Royals have won each of his last four starts against the club.

Cleveland mustered four hits in the game. Patrick Bailey logged two singles as the Guardians were 0 for 4 with runners in scoring position.

Meanwhile, Wacha was on the attack all night. He relied on his four-seam fastball to challenge the Guardians in the strike zone. And when he needed it, he mixed in his change-up, cutter, curveball, sinker and slider.

Wacha registered 22 called strikes and 16 whiffs, per Baseball Savant. In the eighth inning, he struck out Steven Kwan to secure his 10th strikeout of the night. It was his first time with 10 or more strikeouts since April 8, 2023 with the San Diego Padres.

The Royals took the lead in the fifth inning. Salvador Perez recorded an RBI groundout as Bobby Witt Jr. scored from third base. Witt began the frame with a leadoff double off Guardians starter Tanner Bibee.

Bibee allowed one run across six innings. He suffered his 14th loss this season despite also logging a quality start.

The Royals took a one-run lead into the ninth. After Kyle Isbel struck out with pinch-runner Tyler Tolbert on third base, Carter Jensen picked up the club with a two-run homer off Guardians reliever Craig Yoho.

Jensen belted his 19th home run of the season. He set the Royals’ franchise record for most homers by a rookie catcher.

Royals closer Steven Cruz picked up the save in the ninth. He worked around a bases-loaded situation to shut the door in the series opener at Progressive Field.

What’s next?

Royals left-hander Daniel Lynch IV (4-4, 2.93 ERA) will start Saturday’s matinee opposite Guardians lefty Foster Griffin (15-4, 3.19 ERA). First pitch is set for 3:10 p.m. Central.

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