Five Kansas City relievers pitched 6 2/3 innings of two-hit ball after starter Michael Lorenzen's early exit, Robbie Grossman hit a two-run double, and the Royals held on to the second American League wild card with a 3-0 win over the Washington Nationals.

The runs propelled the Royals closer to the MLB postseason. KC improved to 84-74 and trimmed its magic number to three games. Any combined number of wins and Minnesota Twins losses will help the Royals clinch a playoff spot. The Nationals fell to 69-89.

Jose Tena and the Washington Nationals hit the field on Tuesday at Nationals Park against Cole Ragans, who gets the start for the Kansas City Royals. First pitch is set for 6:45 p.m. ET for the