The Kansas City Royals Continue to Play the Role of Spoiler

The Kansas City Royals are not having a very memorable season. They are out of contention and will be facing yet another losing season, their 17th out of 18 seasons.

But what the Royals have been able to do is rise to the level of their competition. Kansas City might not be able to beat the Minnesota Twins or the Boston Red Sox, but contending teams take the Royals lightly at their own peril.

In August, the Royals took two of three from the Chicago White Sox on the road, split four games in Baltimore, took two of three from the Oakland A's, then swept the White Sox and Detroit Tigers at home.

Their August games against the White Sox, Orioles, Athletics, Tampa Bay Rays and Tigers yielded a 13-6 record. 

The Texas Rangers, however, took two of three from Kansas City at the beginning of the month and maybe felt cocky. And when Yu Darvish and company won on Labor Day, 8-4, Texas looked immune from the Kansas City good fortune.

Then came last night. Jeremy Guthrie continues to be the best part of the Melky Cabrera for Jonathan Sanchez deal. He looked shaky to start off the game, allowing five hits to the first 10 batters he faced. Then he settled down. Alex Gordon homered and so did Johnny Giavotella for the first time this season.

By the time the dust settled, the Royals had defeated the Rangers and All-Star Matt Harrison, 6-3.

The Athletics, who lost again to the Los Angeles Angels, should send the Royals a thank you note for helping keep the American League West within striking distance.

Meanwhile, the Rangers, White Sox, Angels and Tigers should beware. They all still have the Royals on their schedule and they lie down for nobody.