The Kansas City Royals are on cusp of playoff elimination, after they were unable to claim a sweep of the Toronto Blue Jays, falling 8-5 on Sunday, Sept. 21 at Kauffman Stadium.

Toronto set the pace in the second inning, claiming runs off an Andrés Giménez single, Tyler Heineman sacrifice bunt, and George Springer double. The Royals clawed back in the fourth when Carter Jensen’s single scored Vinnie Pasquantino and Maikel Garcia. The Blue Jays scored another three runs in the fifth, following doubles to Vladimir Guerrero Junior and Addison Barger. The Royals got back within one, with RBI singles in the fifth from Maikel Garcia and Salvador Perez, then a single in the sixth from Randal Grichuk that scored Jac Caglianone. Toronto added two runs in the eighth to wrap up the scoring, aided by a balk and disengagement violation.

Michael Wacha took the loss for the Royals, allowing six runs on eight hits and one walk, but striking out four in five innings. Toronto starter Trey Yesavage pitched into the fifth, charged with four runs on five hits and three walks while claiming a pair of punchouts. The win went to Seranthony Domínguez, who struck out two in his 1.1 innings of work. Toronto’s win results in the Blue Jays becoming the first American League team to clinch a spot in the postseason.

The Royals continue hovering at .500 with a 78-78 record, completing a 43-38 mark at home this season. With Seattle sweeping Houston, the Royals are technically still in the playoff chase, trailing the Astros and Guardians by six games. After a day off, the Royals will begin their final road trip, with three games in Anaheim against the Los Angeles Angels. Cole Ragans is scheduled to start for KC, with first pitch at 8:38 p.m.; pregame Tuesday is at 8 p.m. on KMMO-FM 102.9.