Jeremy Guthrie played the role of hero on Friday night, as his seven shutout innings helped the Royals beat the White Sox 3-1 on Friday night, clinching a playoff appearance for the first time since 1985. They will at least show up in the American League Wild Card play-in game.
On the offensive side, Nori Aoki sparked a three-run first inning, knocking in the Royals’ first run with an RBI triple. Lorenzo Cain then singled him in, and Cain later scored on a Billy Butler single. Greg Holland wrapped up the ninth inning for his 46th save in 48 opportunities, as he puts the finishing touches on yet another dominant season.
The Tigers fell to the Twins 11-4, which means they have only a one-game lead over the Royals in the AL Central with two games left to play. The Royals could pop open yet more champagne.