Red Sox Gained This Playoff Tiebreaker In Boston’s Series Win Over Royals

The Boston Red Sox earned more than just a series-clinching win over the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night at Kauffman Stadium.

Boston earned the 6-5 victory in a back-and-forth contest. It clinched a third straight series victory for the Red Sox and another one that could just have a massive impact when the regular season comes to a close.

The Red Sox won the season series against the Royals, which in the current playoff format is the tiebreaker for postseason spots. Boston still trails Kansas City by half a game for the final American League playoff position, though these teams have battled head-to-head and in the standings for weeks. If needed, the Red Sox now have a massive tool in their back pocket.

"Hopefully we don't have to go through that," Alex Cora told reporters, per NESN's postgame coverage. "... If you finish tied, you get it. They're all important. We're in the business of winning series. We're playing a lot better. After the All-Star break, our pitching staff is getting healthier. We'll see what happens."

The Red Sox also clinched this tiebreaker against the Seattle Mariners in walk-off fashion when Rafael Devers delivered the series win at Fenway Park last week. The ballclub won two out of three games in Boston after splitting a four-game set in Seattle to start the season.