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A’s deal another blow to Royals’ WC hopes
- Updated: September 15, 2016
KANSAS CITY — The postseason chances for the defending World Series champion Royals could now officially be on life support.
After crushing losses in the first two games of the series, the Royals appeared zapped of energy Wednesday night, mustering just four singles in an 8-0 loss to the A’s at Kauffman Stadium.
The Royals remained five games behind Toronto for the second Wild Card spot in the American League. The Royals, who have just 17 games left, have lost three straight overall, and they’ve lost seven of their last eight at home.
A’s left-hander Sean Manaea, a former Royals prospect, breezed through five innings in his first start since Aug. 29. Manaea, who had been rehabbing a back injury, gave up three hits and struck out five.
Yonder Alonso and Marcus Semien each had two-run doubles for the A’s.
Royals right-hander Yordano Ventura struggled with his command, throwing just 58 strikes out of 100 pitches. He was chased after 4 1/3 innings, giving up seven hits and five runs while walking four.
MOMENTS THAT MATTEREDTwo-out attack: Ventura had thrown 11 pitches in the third inning when Alonso stepped to the plate with two outs, and the A’s …
