Rookie C.J. Kayfus belted a go-ahead, two-run homer in the eighth inning, lifting the Cleveland Guardians to a 3-2 victory over the visiting Kansas City Royals on Thursday night.

John Schreiber (3-3) gave up a single to Bo Naylor to begin the inning, then allowed Kayfus' 425-foot rocket to center field that gave Cleveland its first lead of the game. Kayfus has three home runs in 95 at-bats since making his debut on Aug. 2.

The Guardians (75-71) moved within three games of the idle Seattle Mariners for the third and final American League wild-card spot. Kansas City (74-73) is 4 1/2 games behind after dropping three of four in the series.

Matt Festa (4-3) pitched a scoreless eighth inning for the victory, and Cade Smith recorded the final three outs for his 13th save in 18 opportunities.

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