CLEVELAND -- This week’s four-game series between the Guardians and Royals at Progressive Field carried crucial implications for both squads in the American League Wild Card race . And for much of Thursday’s series finale, it looked like it was going to end in a wash with a series split.

But in the bottom of the eighth inning, C.J. Kayfus hit a go-ahead two-run homer off John Schreiber, sending the Guardians to a 3-2 win over the Royals and sealing a 3-1 series win.

The Guardians (75-71) have won four of their past five series by going 11-6 against the Rays, Mariners, Red Sox and Royals. They are three games behind Seattle (78-68) for the final Wild Card spot, pending the outcome of the Mariners’ series opener vs. the Angels. Cleveland also trails the Rangers (77-70) in the race.

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