Royals 4, Twins 2

Minneapolis – Ryan Shealy blooped a two-run single to give Kansas City the lead in the seventh inning, and the surging Royals handed the suddenly sputtering Twins a second straight defeat.

The Twins still lead Chicago by a half-game in the AL Central. The White Sox fell to Cleveland later Saturday.

Perhaps the Royals could petition to represent the division in the playoffs. They’ve won 13 of their last 15 games, including eight straight on the road. Their 18 victories in September are the most in the season’s final month since the 1985 World Series champions, and the current winning streak away from home is the longest since 1975. Gil Meche (14-11) pitched into the seventh.

Indians 12, White Sox 6

Chicago – With a chance to grab first place, the White Sox flopped again.

Zach Jackson pitched seven strong innings, Asdrubal Cabrera hit a three-run double off struggling Javier Vazquez in a six-run fifth, and Cleveland kept Chicago a half-game behind Minnesota in the AL Central following its fifth straight loss.

The Twins can win the division title today with a victory over Kansas City and another White Sox loss to Cleveland.

When the Royals’ 4-2 victory at Minnesota was posted on the scoreboard during the second inning, the crowd at U.S. Cellular Field reacted with a loud ovation. But that was about all it had to cheer.

Yankees-Red Sox, ppd.

Boston – The scheduled game between New York and Boston was postponed because of rain. It will be made up as part of a season-ending, day-night doubleheader today.

Mariners 7, Athletics 3

Seattle – Kenji Johjima hit a three-run homer during a six-run first inning.

Rangers 8, Angels 4

Anaheim, Calif. – Josh Hamilton overtook Justin Morneau for the AL RBI lead.

Tigers 4, Rays 3

Detroit – Miguel Cabrera homered, and Dontrelle Willis had his best outing of the season, helping Detroit Tigers beat the Rays in Tampa Bay’s first game since clinching the AL East title.

Orioles 2, Blue Jays 1 (7)

Baltimore – Baltimore ended its 10-game losing strea, using a fine pitching performance by Brian Bass to beat Toronto in a game halted by rain in the seventh inning.