Royals remain optimistic ahead of rematch vs. Guardians

Bobby Witt Jr. hasn't given up on the Kansas City Royals' postseason dreams. Neither has manager Matt Quatraro. Until they officially are eliminated, it's still game on.

Red-hot Kansas City continues its late-season push on Saturday afternoon, playing the middle contest in a three-game series at the Cleveland Guardians.

Daniel Lynch IV (4-4, 2.93 ERA) will get the start for the Royals on Saturday opposite fellow left-hander Foster Griffin (15-4, 3.19) of the Guardians.

Cleveland currently holds the third wild-card position in the American League by two games over the Texas Rangers and Baltimore Orioles, but Kansas City has moved within 7 1/2 of the Guardians with 26 games on its schedule.

The Royals have won 11 of their last 12, including a 3-0 victory Friday in Cleveland that featured eight brilliant innings and a season-high 10 strikeouts from All-Star pitcher Michael Wacha.

"We're just trying to enjoy each and every day, and have fun playing baseball together," Witt said amidst the disco-like scene in the clubhouse. "Things are going very well for us right now. We'll see where we are at the end of the season."

Witt has led the charge by reaching base safely in 22 of 23 games since spending time on the injured list with lower back tightness. He scored the first run in the series opener after doubling high off the wall in left field off Tanner Bibee.

Teammate Vinnie Pasquantino teased him for not clearing the fence, saying, "You've got no power."

Witt immediately fired back with, "I have speed," pointing out Pasquantino's blunder on the basepaths in the fifth.

Vibes undeniably are good around the team, which is why the lights were out and the music was loud as the players changed clothes.

"This is a crazy game, so you just keep playing because you never know," Quatraro said. "We had a good win tonight. Every game with these guys (Cleveland) is tense, so getting one is big."

Lynch has bounced between the rotation and bullpen since his last win on July 25, appearing in seven games with two losses and a 5.40 ERA in 15 innings. He has made 14 career appearances against Cleveland, six starts, and has a 1-4 record and 5.90 ERA.

The 6-foot-6, 200-pounder, who has worked in 50 games this season, is thriving in the role with a career-low 2.93 ERA.

The Guardians had won seven straight until being held to six hits by Wacha and closer Steven Cruz. That streak began immediately after they dropped to a season-low five games below .500 on Aug. 19.

Rookie outfielder Chase DeLauter is hitting .347 with two homers and eight RBIs in 20 games this month, while catcher Patrick Bailey has a .467 average in his last six contests.

"When you win seven straight, the first loss after feels a little bit bad because you just had gotten used to winning again," Cleveland second baseman Travis Bazzana said. "So it feels a little down, but we're ready to bounce back tomorrow. We feel like we're in a good spot to go win ballgames."

Griffin ranks third in the majors in victories, one behind Sonny Gray of the Boston Red Sox and Cristopher Sanchez of the Philadelphia Phillies. Cleveland acquired him from the Washington Nationals on Aug. 3 in exchange for four prospects.

The 31-year-old broke into the big leagues with Kansas City in 2020 but didn't pitch against them until this season. He gave up one run in six innings in a no-decision on June 16 in Washington.

In four starts with the Guardians, Griffin is 3-1 with a 4.05 ERA. His last three outings have been wins, covering 16 total innings with a 2.25 ERA and 13 strikeouts.

"We come to the field the same way every day, we do the little things right," Bibee said. "It's just like, ‘We need to win today.' That's kind of the case every September."

--Field Level Media