The Royals are losing on most fronts; while they could probably make the playoffs if they ran the table on their last 12 games, even that isn’t a guarantee of winning enough games. But the Battle for Grass Creek—that is up for grabs. The Mariners and the Royals are tied up at 2-2, and whoever wins this series wins the hearts and souls of the Grass Creek residents for another year.
I’ll be honest, you guys: I have mixed feelings about this series. Kansas City is functionally out of the playoff race
and has been for a week, and so does not need a victory. Meanwhile, the Mariners are maybe my second favorite baseball team, and they are sorely lacking in the postseason success category. It would be great for them to get into the playoffs and make some noise, maybe even make it to the ALCS. Who knows!
On the other hand, I am a fan of the Royals first and foremost among all my sports interests, and I derive pleasure from watching them win. So. There’s that.
The Royals are rolling out a lineup that includes hometown hero Carter Jensen catching for the first time at Kauffman Stadium. It also features Jac Caglianone starting in the spacious Kauffman Stadium outfield. Michael Wacha is also back after his concussion. It could end up being a really interesting game, is what I’m saying. Hopefully Jensen hits his first home run at home. That would be neat.
