Royals suffer seventh straight loss as wild card race intensifies

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Kansas City's lead in the American League Wild Card race has nearly disappeared. The Royals' recent slump reached seven consecutive losses on Sunday afternoon, falling to the Giants 2-0 in their final regular season home game at Kauffman Stadium.

With just six games left on its regular season schedule, the Royals are now tied with the Tigers for the American League's final two wild card spots, but two teams are lurking just outside the playoff picture. Kansas City and Detroit both have just a one-game and two-game lead on Minnesota and Seattle respectively for their two postseason spots.

San Francisco delivered all its damage in the second inning, scoring a pair of runs on an RBI triple from Grant McCray and an RBI single from Brett Wisely. However, the Royals were silent offensively. Kansas City finished the game with just three hits and only had two opportunities to score with a runner in scoring position. In their last five games, Matt Quatraro's crew has scored only four combined runs.

Blake Snell held the Royals off the scoreboard for six innings, giving up just two hits and striking out nine batters. Despite his lackluster second inning, Seth Lugo had a solid outing on the mound. The veteran right-hander allowed just three hits and two earned runs over seven frames.

Up next - the Royals will strive to hold on to their wild card spot in their final two regular season series against the Nationals and Braves. Kansas City's three-game set with Washington begins on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 5:45 p.m.