CHICAGO — Despite being eliminated from the playoffs, the Kansas City Royals are not expecting to be playing in any meaningless games until spring training begins in February.
Jeremy Guthrie pitched seven strong innings, and David Lough hit a two-run homer to lead the Royals to a 3-2 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Thursday night. Guthrie (15-12) became the Royals’ third 15-game winner since 1997. He gave up two runs and four hits, striking out four and walking one.
One day after being eliminated from the postseason, the Royals earned their 84th win, their most since 1993. The Royals’ 6-0 loss to Seattle on Wednesday, combined with victories from all three teams ahead of them in the AL wild-card standings, officially eliminated them from playoff contention.
The Royals have just three games left in the regular season. James Shields will start tonight for KC as the Royals look to pick up their 85th win of the season. First pitch time at U.S. Cellular Field tonight is set for 7:10 p.m.