The scene: the Boston Red Sox are here in Kansas City to face the Royals. If you haven’t read Max’s series preview, read it, but know that it’s the most important series the Royals have played in, arguably, eight years or so. Kansas City currently stands alone in the third Wild Card slot. They have a bit of a cushion, too—2.5 games’ worth.
But that cushion is against the Red Sox, who are here in town. A sweep puts Boston at 5.5 games back. Getting swept takes the Royals out of the Wild Card entirely (for the time being).