Royals clinch first AL Central title with win over Mariners, Twins loss
The Royals clinched the American League Central on Thursday with a 10–4 win over the Mariners at Kauffman Park.
Kansas City clinching the division was also reliant on the Twins losing to the Indians; Cleveland defeated Minnesota 6–3 at Target Field.
The Royals’ win moved them to 89–63 and gave Kansas City its first division title since 1985, when the club competed in the AL West. The Royals reached the World Series last year—losing to the Giants in seven games—in their first postseason appearance since ’85, but finished second in the AL Central to the Tigers.
• Pressure mounts on Royals’ pitching staff with Greg Holland out for year
Johnny Cueto pitched seven innings on Thursday and picked up the win after allowing three runs on seven hits while striking out five batters and walking two. He improved to 10–12 on the season after his July trade from the Reds.
Third baseman Mike Moustakas went 3-for-3, scored three runs and contributed three RBIs, while centerfielder Lorenzo Cain and rightfielder Alex Rios each added two RBIs.
