KC Royals: Do Not Give Up on Playoff Hopes Just Yet

Kansas City Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer (35) celebrates with center fielder Jarrod Dyson (1) right fielder Paulo Orlando (16) - Mandatory Credit: Jordan Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Kansas City Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer (35) celebrates with center fielder Jarrod Dyson (1) right fielder Paulo Orlando (16) - Mandatory Credit: Jordan Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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KC Royals center fielder Jarrod Dyson (1) celebrates with catcher Salvador Perez (13) – Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
KC Royals center fielder Jarrod Dyson (1) celebrates with catcher Salvador Perez (13) – Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

At the time, Kansas City had cut its 9.5-game Wild Card deficit to 3.5.

Since then it got as close to within two. However, even with the Labor Day victory, the Royals have gone just 3-4 over their past seven to remain four games back.

Monday was a big day for those fighting for Mellinger’s vindication. Kansas City won, but so did the Baltimore Orioles, New York Yankees, Seattle Mariners, Detroit Tigers and Houston Astros. All the Royals did was hold serve.

That’s why it’s so hard to make up games in a tight Wild Card race. The division leading Cleveland Indians lost Monday, which is good news for Kansas City, except for the fact it meant Houston — two games ahead of the Royals — won.

As right as Mellinger was, and as hard as it will be for the Royals to take part in their third postseason in a row, you better believe it can still happen.

Next: Left for dead