Watch: Perez gives Royals walk-off win over A's in Wild Card Game

It took 29 years, 12 innings and more bunts than could be counted, but the Royals are playoff winners. Salvador Perez gave Kansas City its first postseason win since 1985 with a walk-off RBI single in the 12th inning to drive in Christian Colon, as the Royals twice rallied to beat the Athletics, 9-8, in the AL Wild Card Game.

After an Alberto Callaspo RBI single in the top of the 12th broke a 7-7 tie to give Oakland the 8-7 lead, the Royals quickly got a run back after a triple by Eric Hosmer and an infield single by Colon. That set the stage for Perez, who had gone hitless in his first five at-bats, but fought off five pitches from Jason Hammel before lacing a line drive just past the outstretched glove of Josh Donaldson at third base. That scored Colon, who had stolen second base, and set off a mad celebration at home plate and in the outfield of Kauffman Stadium.

With the win, the Royals will advance to the ALDS and face the Angels, who finished the regular season with the best record in the majors. Game 1 of that series is Thursday. As for the A's, they fall to 0-7 in their last seven double-elimination games.