The Kansas City Royals’ playoff hopes took a hit Monday, Sept. 8 in Cleveland when the offense was only able to claim one hit off Guardians starter Slade Cecconi, falling 10-2 at Progressive Field.

The Guardians struck first, with Kyle Manzardo’s double in the first scoring Daniel Schneemann. José Ramírez added an RBI single in the third, before Cleveland took Royals starter Ryan Bergert to the cleaners in the fourth for six runs. Bergert allowed four RBI doubles and a single in the frame before his night concluded, tagging him with the loss on eight runs, 11 hits and three walks. He picked up three strikeouts in his 3.1 innings of work. Royals relievers would allow runs in the fifth and seventh innings on forceout plays.

Cecconi kept the Royals from being a factor offensively, as he went eight innings and struck out three, only allowing three walks, with his only hit coming off the bat of Michael Massey to lead off the eighth. Carter Jensen would ground into a double play in the following at-bat. The Royals’ only runs came with two outs in the ninth, when Jac Caglianone sent a single to right field to score Mike Yastrzemski and Tyler Tolbert.

The Royals (73-71) now fall to third in the AL Central, a half-game behind Cleveland as the two continue chasing Detroit, who are nine games ahead in the division. The two are also behind Seattle and Texas in the wild card race. The Royals and Cleveland continue their series Tuesday evening, with Noah Cameron getting the start for the Royals. Pregame is at 5 p.m. on KMMO AM 1300, with first pitch around 5:40 p.m.