WASHINGTON – Kyle Isbel ended Kansas City’s 27-inning scoreless streak by sprinting home on a throwing error in the 10th inning, Cole Ragans allowed three hits in six innings and the Royals defended their second American League wild card with a 1-0 win over the Washington Nationals on Tuesday night.

Isbel, the Royals’ automatic runner to start the 10th inning, reached third base on Bobby Witt Jr.’s infield single to shortstop and crossed the plate on Nasim Nuñez’s flat throw to first base, ending Kansas City’s seven-game losing streak.

Kansas City and Detroit are both 83-74, but the Royals have the edge in head-to-head play. Both teams are 1 1/2 games ahead of Minnesota.

Kyle Finnegan (3-7) came out of the 10th inning without further damage.

Lucas Erceg made a clean tenth inning for his 12th save and his ninth with the Royals, striking out Joey Gallo after the Nationals batter hooked a 3-2 pass just to the foul side of the foul post in right field.

Ragans recorded six strikeouts in his fourth consecutive outing of six or more innings, lowering his ERA to 1.08 in September.

Kris Bubic left a runner on third base in the seventh inning, Sam Long pitched a scoreless eighth inning and Angel Zerpa (2-0) pitched a perfect ninth inning to send the game into overtime. COACHES’ ROOM

Royals: RHP Hunter Harvey (back) will be out for the season. The reliever has not pitched since Aug. 4 and will undergo another medical evaluation. “He’s going to see someone in Dallas to see if they can find something else, but it seems like he just needs some rest,” manager Matt Quatraro said. … RHP James McArthur (right elbow), who last pitched on Sept. 16, also will not return this season. … RHP Michael Lorenzen (left hamstring) remains on track to return from the injured list and start Wednesday, Quatraro said.

Nationals: OF Stone Garrett was recalled from Triple-A Rochester and INF Andrés Chaparro was placed on the paternity list.

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Lorenzen (7-6, 3.43 ERA) will look to continue his excellent form since joining the Royals from Texas at the trade deadline. He has a 1.85 ERA and a 2-0 record in five starts with Kansas City. He will face rookie left-hander DJ Herz (4-8, 4.30).

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